The closure of Next on Linthorpe Road has been described by some as another nail in the coffin of Middlesbrough town centre. People who stopped to chat were universally negative about the current state of the town centre and weren’t much more optimistic about its future prospects. She thought that a smaller town centre was needed, which is something that the council’s director of regeneration has previously spoken about. We recognise the challenges Middlesbrough faces, and this is why we’re taking action to improve not only Linthorpe Road, but the whole town centre and Middlehaven. “We’re working with our developers, businesses, the university and the council to do everything we can to adapt and ensure the town centre realises the potential it has.”

Source: The Times July 28, 2025 19:20 UTC