Ambitious plans for a “distinctive heritage trail” and a new “passport to culture” scheme have been outlined as part of proposals to mark Middlesbrough’s 200th anniversary.
Members of Middlesbrough Council’s place scrutiny panel heard how the ideas could celebrate the town’s industrial past while encouraging residents and visitors to explore local attractions. Proposals include creating replicas of Tees-built bridges along the River Tees, alongside a scheme offering stamps for visiting museums and cultural sites.
Geoffrey Taylor, district environment lead for Middlesbrough Erimus Rotary Club, told councillors the bicentenary and the town’s bid for UK City of Culture 2029 presented a major opportunity.
He said: “It’s a chance to celebrate the past, help people in the present and inspire future generations. The Tees is almost unique in hosting three national trails.
“It’s extraordinary – probably the only place in Britain where three national trails coordinate in one place, here on the banks of the Tees. That’s why we should make something of it.”
Mr Taylor said the proposals would require council backing and funding support. “This is something we cannot deliver on our own. We don’t have the manpower or the funding,” he added.
A key element is the expansion of the ‘Tees Steel: Bridging the World’ concept, with larger-scale bridge replicas highlighting the region’s engineering heritage. Mr Taylor suggested the project could involve students through training schemes.
“We would look at a much bigger scale, and there would be costs involved,” he said. “But bringing students on board to work on a real project would help them learn while creating something of lasting value and enhancing pride in our community.”
He also pointed to environmental improvements along the river, including tree, hedgerow and flower planting, and noted the return of wildlife. “It is a much cleaner river. You can see otters up by the barrage. We can enhance that with a heritage trail,” he said.
The panel heard that the existing Tees Heritage Walk, organised with local colleges, has already raised significant funds for charity. Costing £5 per person, the walk generated £20,000 for more than 30 charities last year, with total fundraising exceeding £40,000 to date.
“There is enormous potential to raise six-figure sums each year if we can build on this,” Mr Taylor said. “We’ve got to get the message out.”
However, he stressed the need for improved safety measures along the route, including additional CCTV. “This pathway links our two conurbations without a single ounce of CO2 being emitted,” he said. “It’s there for everyone, but we need to make it safe.”
When asked by Councillor Jill Ewan how monitoring would be funded, Mr Taylor acknowledged the challenge. “I don’t pretend I’ve got
easy answers. The minimum should be constant monitoring and clear signage,” he said.
Further proposals include developing a “passport to culture” for the Tees Valley, allowing children to collect stamps at participating venues, and engaging the digital sector in the Boho Zone to help promote the town.
“They have the potential to sell Middlesbrough to the wider world,” Mr Taylor said.
Councillor Tom Mohan raised concerns about the town’s reputation, asking how Middlesbrough could overcome its image problem.
Mr Taylor responded: “We have to tell the story. We have to shout it from the rooftops. This heritage trail is one way to do it – it would help people understand what Teesside is really about.”
Panel chair Councillor David Branson said the ideas would be considered as part of bicentenary planning, with further input from the public expected.
The next Tees Heritage Walk is scheduled to take place on Sunday, 17 May.
