One local MP has voiced his unhappiness with the changes
Middlesbrough’s walking and cycling hub(Image: Daniel Hodgson)
Walking and cycling hubs across Tees Valley will close this week, with Middlesbrough’s Cleveland Centre spot shutting down for good on Tuesday, July 28. Other active travel services across the region will grind to a halt in the coming days, as Tees Valley Combined Authority accepts there will be a “short period of disruption” while moving to a new provider.
The hubs in Stockton and Hartlepool will close temporarily and will later reopen as operational bases for an incoming provider to deliver new outreach services across Tees Valley, expected to commence in late August. Active travel services at all locations will be paused from Thursday, July 30 during the transition period, while indoor cycle parking at Stockton hub will close permanently on Wednesday, July 29.
Stockton North Labour MP Chris McDonald described the outcome as the “wrong decision for Teesside”. He said the Stockton-based hub had built a “loyal” community, adding: “Cycling and walking deserve to be at the heart of our transport strategy, not treated as an afterthought.”
As for the future, a new operator has been selected, subject to final contract approvals, and is expected to be appointed by late August 2026. This will enable new outreach-based active travel services covering all five Tees Valley local authority areas to begin once the new provider is in place.
Hartlepool walking and cycling hub(Image: Daniel Hodgson)
The closure of Middlesbrough’s hub comes with a sense of déjà vu, as it was originally due to be axed for good in the early spring, while the other sites were to be closed temporarily. However, a u-turn in March saw Middlesbrough and other hubs handed a lifeline, with an operating extension until the end of July.
A spokesperson for TVCA said the organisation understood that the changes will be “disappointing for some residents and partners”, adding: “However, this fresh model will allow us to make the best use of the funding available and expand support across all five of our boroughs.
“Active travel remains key for the combined authority – there will be new secure 24/7 cycle parking facilities across all five of our boroughs by the end of this year. We’re confident this new approach will deliver greater long-term benefits across our region.”
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