Still too many eyesore sites across town

THERE has been mixed progress on eyesore sites across Middlesbrough, five years on from when they were announced.

- By DANIEL HODGSON

In June 2020, under a previous administration, Middlesbrough Council drew up a list of 11 locations that council chiefs described as “eyesores”, which were under consideration for purchase and rejuvenation. In 2021, it was confirmed that up to £1m had been allocated to buy derelict sites and stop them blighting the town.

Five years on from the original announcement, the council was asked for an update on each of the 11 sites.

Newcastle House, Ingram Road

The former pub is in third party ownership, with planning permission granted for retail/shop conversion and the works to repurpose the property for convenience shop use are completed.

Liberty's, Longlands Road

The former nightclub building is in third party ownership, with works to repurpose the property for commercial use completed. The site is now reoccupied and operational. A “new lease of life” for the old Middlesbrough nightclub was reported on in 2021.

Former Roseberry Petrol Station, Acklam Road

The former petrol station is in third party ownership, with works to refurbish for fuel filling station use completed. The site is reoccupied and operational.

The Crown & Mitre, North Ormesby

The former pub is in third party ownership, with a planning application submitted for residential conversion, with works to repurpose the property ongoing.

Former Wee Willie Pub, Evesham Road, Park End