A SERIES of new artworks are set to add a dash of colour and creativity to Middlesbrough's Historic Quarter.

The specially commissioned works with links to hidden heritage stories in the town will soon be appearing in and around Middlesbrough Railway Station.

The installations are part of Middlesbrough High Street Heritage Action Zone initiative, a partnership scheme between Historic England and Middlesbrough Council, and will be delivered on behalf of the Middlesbrough Cultural Partnership.

The Middlesbrough Cultural Partnership is a collective of arts organisations working closely with Middlesbrough Council to make the town the most creative place in the North East.

The partnership began in 2019 with four founding member organisations - Tees Valley Arts, Navigator North, Platform A Gallery and The Auxiliary - and membership has now exceeded 50 organisations.

Historic England is working with local people and communities across 68 towns in England to help breathe new life into high streets that are rich in heritage.

The multi-million-pound High Street Heritage Action Zones scheme is working with key partners to find new ways to champion and revive historic high streets.

The project ranges from the regeneration of historic buildings to helping to engage local communities through art and cultural projects.

The initiative will bring together residents, cultural organisations and artists to celebrate what is unique about each place.

Middlesbrough's first two commissions will see artists developing new site-specific temporary works in the pedestrian underpass between platforms in Middlesbrough Railway Station and the billboard area under the A66 bridge on Albert Road.

The tunnel itself and additional connected sites for these commissions will offer a means of connecting residents and visitors with the town's cultural heritage.

Artist Sara Cooper will use inspiration from Teesside Archives and the Dorman Museum to explore the natural heritage of the area using drawing and survey techniques to create a visual record of overlooked flora.

This will include walks, plant identification and observational drawing with the aim of encouraging people to tell their own stories of the untold natural heritage of Middlesbrough.

Sara said: "Working with botanist Dave Barlow and Christine Corbett from Teesside Archives, I've begun with a survey of plants within the Heritage Action Zone.

"It's great to have the opportunity to uncover and share some of Middlesbrough's hidden natural heritage - there's lots to learn and much more than meets the eye."

Photography collective WAX - which includes Amy Owens, Rachel Deakin, Antony Chambers and Jason Hynes - are exploring local identity through ‘inherited' family photographs.

‘Family Legacy' will see the group explore the links between photography and memory, to create a curated selection of images with a focus on memories related to the Albert Road area.

Amy Owens said: "It's exciting to be bringing the medium of photography and print to the streets of Middlesbrough, hopefully sparking some connections and memories in the local community."

Councillor Mieka Smiles, Middlesbrough Council's Executive member for Communities & Education, said: "We got some great public art across Middlesbrough, and the Tunnel Gallery will be a great celebration of the culture, history and heritage of this important part of town.

"It's a fantastic example of how culture can impact the town centre and as it's the pilot gives us an idea of the great things to come!"

Maria Carballeira from Historic England said: "It's wonderful that we're able to help fund such a worthwhile project through the Middlesbrough High Street Heritage Action Zone.

"I look forward to seeing the innovative artworks celebrating Middlesbrough's natural and social history."