Planning permission granted for redevelopment of Redcar Central Station

Planning permission for the major redevelopment of the Grade II listed Redcar Central Station has been granted.

Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council’s regulatory committee approved the project today (Thursday 8 December) meaning the historic railway building at the heart of the town centre will be restored to its former glory. Conservation works to transform it from an empty, dilapidated building into a vibrant, welcoming gateway to the town will commence in spring 2023.

The building will function both as a leisure and retail hub as well as a key transport link, providing rail facilities including ticket machines, travel information and covered waiting areas.

A total of £5.950m from the Redcar Growth Zone and Investment Fund administered by the Tees Valley Combined Authority has been allocated to the project to deliver the refurbishment of the building, making it fully accessible to all and including improvements to the public areas outside.

Despite it being a Victorian building, there will be a focus on sustainability, using electricity only and installing renewable energy systems; solar panels will be positioned out of sight, in line with aims to preserve the traditional style of the building.

The project will be welcomed by Redcar Central’s existing users and there’s an aspiration to bring direct London services to Redcar in the future once established from Middlesbrough. The hourly Transpennine service to and from Manchester Airport already serves Redcar Central, providing direct connections to towns and cities across the north of England.

Councillor Chris Gallacher, cabinet member for economic growth at Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, said: “We are thrilled that our plans for Redcar Central Station have received planning permission. The refurbishment of this historic building will benefit the town and wider borough by creating jobs for local people as well as creating a vibrant gateway to the town for visitors.

“New leisure and retail facilities will be provided, but existing local businesses will benefit from the increased visitor numbers using the revitalised station as well. This work complements the projects already underway to revitalise the Redcar area as part of the Town Deal and the Coatham Leisure schemes, as well as the recently-opened cinema.”

Ben Houchen, Tees Valley Mayor, said: “This is yet another example of how our funding is helping to overhaul stations the length and breadth of the region to deliver better, more frequent, more reliable transport links.

“This transformation will play a huge part in boosting visitor numbers, getting people spending in our brilliant local businesses and, ultimately, putting more money into Redcar Town Centre.”

By Mark Adair – Correspondent, Bdaily

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