A TEAM of consultants have been appointed to draw up a masterplan for Middlesbrough distinctive railway station.

The study – led by Middlesbrough Council with funding from the Tees Valley Combined Authority, First Group – will provide a long-term vision for the station and the surrounding area.

The council and Middlesbrough MP Andy McDonald are working alongside the rail industry to create a vision for the future of the town centre site.

The masterplan will support the Department for Transport’s view that stations should be more than a transport interchange, and be at the heart of an area, offering destination facilities and amenities.

It will build upon work which is currently being undertaken by Network Rail’s station refurbishment project that will see a £2.7m roof and stonework repair programme.

Consultants BDP is undertaking the study alongside stakeholder workshops already completed and a final report due to be issued later this year.

Middlesbrough Mayor Dave Budd said: “It’s an iconic building that reflects the town’s rich heritage while having a pivotal role to play as a key gateway to its future growth and prosperity.”

The MP added: “The station is an important part of our heritage but will also be a new 21st century portal into the evolving city-scape right in the heart of Tees Valley.

“What we want to achieve is an impressive rail terminal which matches our ambition and aspiration and which is fit to receive the first London King’s Cross direct service in 2020.”

BCP Architect director and head of transport Peter Jenkins said: “Our engagement with the client and stakeholder group to date has displayed widespread enthusiasm for the regeneration of the station and the surrounding area; this is underpinned by a determination to make improvements to the station from inside to out.”

While Graham Meiklejohn, regional development manager for TransPennine Express, said: “This masterplan is an important step in developing Middlesbrough station into the interchange it should be. The financial contribution we made towards the study underlines our desire with others to realise the ambition for a transformational scheme.”