Work set to begin on new Southlands Centre early in the new year

Work is set to begin in the new year on the eagerly-awaited new Southlands Centre in Middlesbrough.

Middlesbrough FC Foundation, which will run the site, plans to relocate staff from its current Riverside Stadium HQ to the brand-new centre. A tender process to appoint a contractor for the project is now underway.

The Ormesby Road scheme was given support by Middlesbrough's Council’s planning committee in September, but the decision needed a final rubber stamp from central government. This was due to an objection from Sport England regarding the layout.

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The scheme was then approved by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Angela Rayner. Next week the council's Executive will vote on finalising a lease agreement with the foundation.

A spokesperson for the foundation said: "We’re delighted with the news that the planning permission for the Southlands Centre has been approved. We will be continuing to work closely with Middlesbrough Council to deliver the new centre for East Middlesbrough to support the local community and progress the funding requirements needed for the project."

The previous Southlands Centre was demolished after closing in 2018. The first phase of the new development will see the construction of a new hub to be operated by the foundation.

The current 3G and grass football pitches will be upgraded and open space provided to support additional physical activities. A second phase of the scheme could see further extensions and improvements to the site. Mayor of Middlesbrough Chris Cooke said he was delighted to see the project finally moving forward.

"I can't wait to see spades in the ground at the new Southlands Centre - it's going to be transformative for East Middlesbrough and a facility that the entire town will benefit from. The MFC Foundation is the perfect partner and I am looking forward to working with them on what is an exciting and ambitious project."

Cllr Theo Furness, Executive member for development, said: “Football is incredibly important to so many people in our town, so it’s a real boost for East Middlesbrough that the Middlesbrough FC Foundation will be moving to the new Southlands site. I know that this type of top-class facility will have a huge impact and help to inspire the next generation to live healthy, active lives."

As reported, news of the approval of the scheme was welcomed by councillors across political divides, with Middlesbrough Independent Councillors Association (MICA) Councillor Graham Wilson of Brambles and Thorntree paying tribute to individual members of The Southlands Project Representative Group for their hard work over several years.

The revamped Southlands will host football, other sports and physical activity with grassroots clubs and community organisations using the site. Currently, the foundation engages with 38,000 people a year across the region, from physical activity sessions for young children to supporting people living with Dementia in Care Homes.

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