RESIDENTS are being given the opportunity to look at plans to redevelop their town centre.

Plans have been approved by Middlesbrough Council’s executive to build office space and leisure facilities, including bars and restaurants, on land to the east of Centre Square.

The proposed site for any building forms a horseshoe shape around Teesside Crown Court but the main square itself does not form part of the proposed development.

Cllr Charlie Rooney, Middlesbrough’s Deputy Mayor and executive member for regeneration, said: “These are very exciting proposals which would bring jobs and investment to Middlesbrough.

“However, since it was announced we have become aware of some misunderstandings around the location of the development and want to clear this up.

“It has also been said that empty or currently underused office space should be utilised first and the answer to this is twofold.

“Firstly there are already commitments by private developers to bring the likes of Centre North East, Church House and buildings on Albert Road back into use and, secondly, we do not have the kind of premium first rate office space that businesses are now looking for.

“Our town centre is improving massively and we need to harness the current optimism and investment that has been generated by the developments of Baker and Bedford Street and surrounding areas, Orange Pip Market and the Holiday Inn Express.”

The images of the areas concerned are available to see on the council’s website www.middlesbrough.gov.uk