The Cleveland Centre will likely see another empty unit as a result of the changes
Middlesbrough’s walking and cycling hub(Image: Daniel Hodgson)
Middlesbrough’s walking and cycling hub will not operate from April, TVCA has confirmed. The combined authority has said that other hubs across the region will close “temporarily” while a new operator is appointed, but Middlesbrough would see its hub shut permanently.
Middlesbrough’s walking and cycling hub is located in the Cleveland Centre and will be closing its doors for the final time at the end of this month. One member of the public who reached out said that her husband volunteers at the Stockton hub, explaining that he was told last week, on Thursday, March 5, that all hubs in the area would be closing on Tuesday, March 31, as funding from the combined authority is no longer available.
Currently advertised services at Middlesbrough include: secure cycle parking on weekdays from 8.30am-5.30pm, weekly beginner level bike rides and walks, cycle maintenance classes, and advice on quieter, safer cycling and walking routes.
Each of the five main Tees Valley towns has a hub, providing a number of services. There are free bike MOTs, bike repairs and maintenance courses, as well as refurbished low-cost bicycles for sale and volunteering opportunities, but not all services are offered everywhere. Cycling sessions offered aim to improve people’s confidence.
The hubs are operated by Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, their website says: “The hubs were set up in partnership with TVCA in 2023 as part of its 20-year programme to tackle transport and health inequalities and get more people walking, wheeling or cycling short journeys across the region. Since then so many people have benefited from the hubs in lots of different ways.”
TVCA did not say how many people would be affected by the closures, but a spokesperson said: “As a result of changes in funding from April 2026, TVCA has undertaken a review of the support it provides walking, wheeling and cycling across the region.
“Due to these changes and the need to ensure long-term sustainability in our ongoing programme of support, the Tees Valley walking and cycling hub in Middlesbrough will close permanently on March 31, while hubs in Stockton and Hartlepool and the active travel support services in Darlington and Redcar & Cleveland will temporarily close on the same date while a process to appoint a new operator is undertaken.
“We remain fully committed to improving active travel options across the region, and this review will allow us to reshape delivery to ensure we maximise participation, deliver value for money, and increase walking and cycling in the years ahead.”
Did you know you can make Teesside Live a preferred source of Teesside news in Google, which will mean you get more of our breaking news, exclusives, and must-read stories straight away? Here’s more information about what this means and how to do it – you can also do it by clicking here.
For the latest Teesside news direct to your inbox every day, sign up to our free newsletter
Join Teesside Live’s WhatsApp community for top stories and breaking news sent directly to your phone
Teesside Live is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join our community.
Through the app, we’ll send you the latest breaking news, top stories, exclusives and much more straight to your phone.
To join our community group, you need to already have WhatsApp. All you need to do is click this link and select ‘Join Community’.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Teesside Live team.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like.
To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose ‘Exit group’.
If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.