House of Fraser building could become music venue

The House of Fraser store has been closed since 2022

A former House of Fraser store could become an arts and music venue under new plans.

Middlesbrough Council wants to use £2m of Levelling Up funding to turn the Linthorpe Road site into a new venue.

The project is part of a £20m investment programme aimed at revitalising Middlesbrough.

MP Andy McDonald said the transformation of the store would complement the "new attractions" coming to the town.

The basement and ground floor of the department store will be turned into a venue for music and the creative arts.

Studio performance spaces and areas for creative business could also be included in the project.

The council's executive will be asked to approve the plans on 14 February.

'A shot in the arm'

The House of Fraser store first closed in 2018, but reopened when businessman Mike Ashley's Sports Direct bought the company. The store closed permanently in 2022.

Middlesbrough Council purchased the building for £1m at the same time as it acquired the Captain Cook Square shopping centre.

The £20m funding package is being provided through funding from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC).

The council has been working alongside the government on a series of potential projects, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

As well as significant refits in the town centre, the package could see money handed out for education, temporary accommodation for vulnerable people and a £1.9m boost to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.

Middlesbrough mayor Chris Cooke said the development plans would give the town centre a "shot in the arm".

Mr McDonald said: "I’m sure the investment in the House of Fraser building to create a cultural venue for music and the arts will be of great interest and will complement the new attractions in Captain Cook Square which Middlesbrough Council has been working so hard to deliver."