Middlehaven Urban Park

Start with the park - an exciting new green space as the catalyst for regeneration

Background

Our Development Framework for Middlehaven had promoted the building of a new urban park in the heart of the area as catalyst for regeneration. Its role was to bring a step change to the image of Middlehaven, to enhance the setting of the spectacular Transporter Bridge and to provide a new open space amenity in Middlesbrough town centre.

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Start with the Park

Urban Initiatives Studio was appointed by the HCA and Middlesbrough Council to undertake the design of the park, as part of a team led by CH2M. Our Development Framework had advocated the creation of a series of development plots fronting onto the park to attract smaller developers, builders and investors to the area and our commission also involved defining of these plots as part of the ‘Urban Pioneers Project’.

The park provides a peaceful and tranquil environment next to the busy Durham Street with intimate spaces for people to relax and spend time. A meandering route passes through a sequence of spaces leading towards the Transporter Bridge and a hard space provides a focus at the entrance to the park and spill-out space for a cafe.

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Delivery

Urban Initiatives Studio obtained detailed planning consent for the park and remedial works together with outline consent for the Urban Pioneers Project in April 2014. The park was opened in Autumn 2015 and the first Urban Pioneers plots are completed and occupied.

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DATA

CLIENT

The Homes and Communities Agency Middlesbrough Council

LOCATION

Middlesbrough

TEAM

Urban Initiatives Studio
CH2M

DATES

March 2013 - April 2014

OUTCOMES

Outline Design of park as basis for detailed design by CH2M
Hybrid planning application for park, re-mediation and Urban Pioneers plots
Urban Pioneers Project Launch
Park opened Autumn 2015
Urban Design Group Best Practice Award 2014
Landscape Institute Awards - Highly Commended 2015