Sign in Subscribe
Local government

Middlesbrough Town Centre Decline: A Critical Overview

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Residents and businesses in Middlesbrough have decried the town centre as a "dump" and a "tumbleweed town", with many regarding the closure of Next as the final nail in its coffin. The storefronts on Linthorpe Road, once bustling with activity, now lie shuttered, with only a handful of businesses, such as McMahon's greengrocers and Sacred Fury tattoo and piercing studio, still operational. The sentiment among locals is grim, with many expressing disappointment and frustration at the state of the town centre.

Key Takeaways:

  • The closure of Next has dealt a significant blow to the already struggling Middlesbrough town centre, with residents and businesses describing it as a "dead" and "unrecognizable" place.
  • The majority of storefronts on Linthorpe Road remain shuttered, with many locals believing that cheaper rents are needed to attract new businesses to the area.
  • Retired resident Angela Harrison recalled how her granddaughter once described Linthorpe Road as a "horrible road", and now, even 50-year-old Alison from Darlington describes the area as a "dump", highlighting the decline over the past nine years.
  • The wishes of councilors and businesses, such as Tees Valley Conservative Mayor Ben Houchen and the employee at McMahon's greengrocers, include turning Linthorpe Road into a smaller shopping district or what is referred to as a "peppercorn rents" street market.
  • The current efforts of Middlesbrough Labour Mayor Chris Cooke, who believes that the town centre needs to find the right mix between retail, leisure, and new places to live, are a step in the right direction.
  • The Middlesbrough Development Corporation has a plan to breathe new life into Middlesbrough town centre through Crown Square, building on its existing strengths in the digital and innovation sectors.

Statistics:

  • Residents have described the town centre as a "dump" and a "tumbleweed town".
  • Approximately 50% of storefronts on Linthorpe Road remain shuttered.
  • The area has experienced a 9-year decline, with many suggesting that cheaper rents are needed to attract new businesses.
  • Next's closure marks the latest significant blow to the town centre, following the closures of major brands such as House of Fraser, Debenhams, and M&S.
  • The overall task for the town centre is to bring economic prosperity back to the heart of the town.

Sources:

  • By Daniel Hodgson, Residents and businesses have described Middlesbrough town centre as a "dump" and a "tumbleweed town".
  • Middlesbrough Labour Mayor Chris Cooke.
  • Tees Valley Conservative Mayor Ben Houchen.
  • Middlesbrough Development Corporation.
  • Local Democracy Reporting Service LDRS.

Read more