Tollesby shops update
The Middlesbrough mayor has shared a new completion date for a development at a former eyesore site that has been hampered by delays.
The Tollesby shops, once a magnet for crime, vandalism and anti-social behaviour, have been demolished to make way for new apartments. The scheme will see 24 one and two-bedroom flats above five retail units.
Convenience store One Stop will be taking over one of the five ground-floor spots. There will also be a communal outdoor space on the third floor which will be open to residents and parking for customers at the shops and people who live in the building.
Middlesbrough Development Company acquired the Rievaulx Drive site after the empty buildings were left in a dilapidated condition. Initially, the deadline for completion was summer 2022, however, that has now been pushed back and it’s unlikely it will be finished this year.
Independent Andy Preston said: “Going up more slowly than I’d like – but where an eyesore once stood the brilliant new retail units and apartments are starting to really take shape at Tollesby.
“Tollesby residents had been let down for years, with a location left to rot by political failings. One of the first jobs I did as mayor was to step in and help sort the mess out.
“Well done to everyone who made a fuss about the problem and thank you to Middlesbrough Council staff. With construction progressing and due for completion next spring, by early next year, locals will have brilliant new facilities after years without them.”
The other commercial and residential units will be marketed for lease early next year. In June 2021, Middlesbrough Council’s executive member for regeneration Cllr Eric Polano said that total costs for the development had increased by £700,000. The original estimate for the shops was £4.98m – the increase was put down to rising labour and material costs.