Fresh concept art of huge theatre in Middlesbrough unveiled

Last month, Middlesbrough Council revealed plans to demolish the crumbling Civic Centre on Dunning Street and replace it with a state-of-the-art theatre. 

Major operators are said to be showing an interest in the flagship project, which could seat as many as roughly 2,000 people and would host West End shows. 

The bid is one of 15 new projects announced by the council as part of a “bold new vision” for the town last month, with others including a new hotel and the removal of “redundant” retail space. 

And now, new concept art of how the theatre could look has been published by the council, showing a sleek design, a balcony, and the word ‘Boro’ written on the side. 

Concept art of a new theatre in Middlesbrough (Image: MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL)

Richard Horniman, corporate director for regeneration and housing, previously said the council would be “working with one of the top theatre operators in the country” for the project.

“It will be designed in conjunction with them and operated by them so that it can host the very latest West End shows,” he said. 

"There are West End shows that other theatre venues in the North-east are struggling to take. The intention is that we establish that as the number one theatre in the North East." 

He said that, of the 15 projects announced, this was the one that was “moving the quickest”, with plans to demolish the Civic Centre in the new year. 

Mr Horniman said it would sit alongside the town hall, which would still act as a concert venue. 

The venue will be inspired by the Troubadour Theatre at Canary Wharf in London, where The Hunger Games on Stage is currently being held.

The council is now set to move forward with the “biggest changes to the town in a generation” after its Executive approved the plans on Wednesday (September 2). 

Major projects include the demolition of the crumbling Civic Centre and in its place building the “most technologically advanced theatre in the country” (Image: MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL)

Some of the key projects include a new hotel at the derelict Gurney House, near the A66, to meet “sky-high” demand and building thousands of new homes in Middlehaven and Gresham.

A major taxi hub, playable spaces for young people, and an Academic Centre of Excellence for Surgery at the James Cook University Hospital are also featured. 

The council said that significant grant funding at a regional and national level for the projects, which are at different stages of development, will also be vital.

The proposals come alongside a new ‘Place Leaders Partnership’ aiming to deliver long-lasting change has brought together the council, Teesside University, Middlesbrough College, Tees Valley Combined Authority and Middlesbrough Football Club.

Significant employers including AV Dawson and Behaviour UK also joined Cleveland Police, NHS organisations and the North East Chamber of Commerce on the partnership.

It aims to make Middlesbrough “the most creative place for young people to live, learn and realise their future”. 

A consultation involving 1,300 young people, their parents and carers informed the plans which aim to respond to challenges felt nationwide and drive key themes.