Plans submitted to Middlesbrough Council for ‘commemorative efforts’

Plans have been submitted to install a commemorative locomotive on a roundabout in Middlesbrough.

Middlesbrough Council has received an application from itself to position a 1959 diesel-electric shunting locomotive on a roundabout over the border, situated where Riverside Park Road meets Ironmasters Way. The loco, repurposed by AV Dawson, is set to be installed as part of commemorative efforts for the bicentenary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway (S&DR).

The project is led by AV Dawson, with council input, as the local authority is responsible for the roundabout. Charlie Nettle, Group Managing Director of AV Dawson, sits on the S&DR board, with the company recently sponsoring a book by the Friends of S&DR, detailing the railway’s 200-year history.

A spokesperson for AV Dawson said: “Looking ahead, we’re keen to see similar celebrations for Middlesbrough’s railway bicentenary in 2030, marking the 1830 opening of the Middlesbrough branch line that connected the S&DR to the new port on the Tees—originally named Port Darlington, now the Port of Middlesbrough, owned and operated by AV Dawson.

“This line was opened to support the export of locally produced iron and coal which was brought to the port by train. The extension of the railway and the port made Middlesbrough what it is today as before the railway extension it was a hamlet with fewer than 30 residents.”

The planning application is to display a 1959 British Rail Class 08 diesel-electric shunting locomotive. AV Dawson explained that while 996 units were originally built, less than 200 remain today. To mark the S&DR bicentenary, the retired locomotive has been repurposed as a local tribute. The company’s engineering team has refurbished it, removing the engine and fitting water butts for rainwater collection to support planting around the roundabout.

The spokesperson added: “We have also partnered with the Northern School of Art (NSA) on the project, tasking the first-year 3D Design and Visualisation students to create a commemorative livery. The winning design by Phoebe has been applied to the locomotive, which now also proudly bears her name. Phoebe was honoured last week at the NSA Summer Showcase with a plaque, certificate and £100 voucher, presented by Charlie.”