Work underway on £1.5m Captain Cook Square upgrade in Middlesbrough

Esh Construction has been appointed to deliver the public realm scheme on behalf of Middlesbrough Council.

A £1.5 million public realm scheme which will form part of the transformation of Captain Cook Square into a regional leisure destination is now underway.

Working on behalf of Middlesbrough Council, Esh Construction will deliver improvements to the outdoor shopping centre in preparation for a host of leisure and entertainment venues opening later this year.

New seating and street furniture will be installed and the entrance to Middlesbrough bus station upgraded. Designs for new lighting include an overhead criss-cross feature which will create a similar night-time effect to the town’s Baker and Bedford Streets.

Initial works will see jet washing of exterior walls followed by re-painting to create a brighter environment and local artists will contribute to a new mural which will be further enhanced with LED lighting.

Steven Garrigan, Divisional Director at Esh Construction, said: “As a North East contractor, we are delighted to be bringing our expertise to this public realm project which is key in the transformation plans for Captain Cook Square. The installation of new lighting and street furniture, along with a decoration and upgrade works to the shop facades and bus station will provide a glimpse into the future of this upcoming leisure destination.”

Wider regeneration plans for Captain Cook Square include brand new, large scale entertainment venues – Level X, a bowling alley and go-karting venue and The Wired Lobby, an esports and gaming arena – opening this summer.

Mayor of Middlesbrough Andy Preston said: “It’s great to see progress on the project, which will be fantastic for our town centre. This work will help transform Captain Cook Square. Our strategy to regenerate the town centre is to get more people living and working here, and attracting the best leisure attractions around is one of the best ways to do that. We’ve stepped in and we’re making amazing things happen, and there are so many more exciting things to come.”

As a North East contractor, we are delighted to be bringing our expertise to this public realm project which is key in the transformation plans for Captain Cook Square. The installation of new lighting and street furniture, along with a decoration and upgrade works to the shop facades and bus station will provide a glimpse into the future of this upcoming leisure destination.""

Steven Garrigan, Divisional Director at Esh Construction