Walking and cycling services across Tees Valley are set for major disruption as hubs close this week, with Middlesbrough’s Cleveland Centre facility shutting permanently on 28 July. The Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) has confirmed that active travel services will pause across the region while a new provider takes over, describing the changes as a “short period of disruption”.
The Middlesbrough hub will close permanently, while facilities in Stockton and Hartlepool will shut temporarily before reopening as operational bases for a new outreach-focused service. Active travel services at all hubs will be suspended from 30 July, with indoor cycle parking at Stockton’s hub closing permanently on 29 July.
A new operator has been selected, subject to final contract approvals, and is expected to begin delivering services across all five Tees Valley local authority areas from late August.
The closure marks the end of a prolonged uncertainty over the future of Middlesbrough’s hub.
Earlier this year, the Cleveland Centre facility had been earmarked for permanent closure before TVCA reversed the decision in March, extending its operation until the end of July.
Stockton North Labour MP Chris McDonald criticised the decision, describing it as “the wrong decision for Teesside”. He said the Stockton hub had built a loyal community over the years. “Cycling and walking deserve to be at the heart of our transport strategy, not treated as an afterthought,” he said.
TVCA said the new outreach-based model would allow active travel services to reach more people across the region.
A spokesperson acknowledged the closures would be disappointing for some residents and organisations but said the changes would make better use of available funding.
“This fresh model will allow us to make the best use of the funding available and expand support across all five of our boroughs,” the spokesperson said.
The authority added that active travel remains a priority and confirmed new secure 24-hour cycle parking facilities will be introduced across all five Tees Valley boroughs by the end of the year.
“We’re confident this new approach will deliver greater long-term benefits across our region,” the spokesperson added.
