Work begins to bring rail station back on track

Work is underway to bring a Victorian rail hub back on track.

Contractors have begun redeveloping Redcar’s Grade II-listed Central Station and train shed.

And council bosses have appointed commercial property consultancy Naylors Gavin Black to market more than 14,000sq ft of units for retail, leisure and hospitality use.

They say the venture will “breathe new life into an iconic building… and put Redcar on the map”.

The work – led by Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council and backed by Levelling Up Partnership funding, the Welcome to Redcar and Cleveland programme and the Railway Heritage Trust – is set to deliver new indoor waiting areas, toilets and changing rooms.

It will be powered by renewable energy.

Chris Pearson, a partner at Newcastle-based Naylors Gavin Black, said the renovated station has scope to include a brewery tap room, a restaurant, a café, shops and space for markets, community events and flexible workspaces. 

He said: “We’re open to proposals for different uses, but the obvious choice of anchor tenant would be a popular hospitality provider. 

“The station has a great deal of potential to be a vibrant community asset.

“The significant investment will create a high-quality visitor experience and improve the look of one of the town’s main gateways.”

Councillor Lynn Pallister, cabinet member for growth and enterprise at Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, added: “This is a fantastic opportunity to breathe new life into one of Redcar’s most iconic buildings. 

“We’re excited to see it become a destination for both locals and visitors, and we’d love to see a thriving mix of hospitality venues bring new energy and life to the space.”

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