Proposals for theatre, hotel and thousands of homes

A plan for a theatre, hotel and thousands of homes aims to make Middlesbrough "the UK's most creative place for young people to live".

The council announced proposals to transform the town for young people as part of its 10-year plan.

The plans include demolishing the civic centre and building a theatre, which would be equipped to host West End shows.

Middlesbrough Labour Mayor Chris Cooke said the developments "would represent the most significant investment" for a generation.

The plans have been created after a consultation with 1,300 young people, their parents and carers.

Other proposals are a town centre hotel at Gurney House next to the A66, an academic centre of excellence for surgery at James Cook University Hospital, bringing empty homes back into use and creating an urban park for young people.

Plans for more than 2,000 homes at Middlehaven, 1,000 near Coulby Newham and a "new community" at Greasham have already been proposed.

The plans have been inspired by regeneration projects around Europe with timescales for key actions varying from late this year to summer 2028, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Cooke said: "The strategy has been developed with our partners and informed by the needs and aspirations of young people.

"It's been 18 months in the making and is all about making Middlesbrough thrive for the benefit of everyone."

Another proposal outlines plans for "super bus stops" and a modern taxi hub with a safe waiting environment.

The full prospectus of plans will go before the council's executive in a meeting on 2 September with the idea to use it as a tool to lobby government and commercial funders.

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