RESIDENTS on a Middlesbrough estate saw their ideas come to life when the results of a major revamp were revealed.

Planting, new footpaths and unique metal artwork have been installed on the site of some demolished flats off Earls Court in Hemlington to transform the area.

Local residents were asked for their views about what they would like to see and were heavily involved in deciding how the area would be improved.

Erimus Housing teamed up with Groundwork North East to give the site a facelift, which was celebrated at the opening event.

Geoff Prior, Group Head of Asset Management for Fabrick, the parent company of Erimus Housing, will raise his glass to toast the launch.

Geoff said: “This work is a real example of what can be done with help from local people, including residents, schoolchildren, businesses and artists.

“This opening event celebrates the work that has gone in to making such big improvements to the area and we would like to thank everyone for their input into the scheme, which we hope will make a big difference to people in the area and the wider community.”

The improvements have incorporated tree and shrub planting, the installation of metal artwork outlining some local history, a new network of footpaths, a climbing rock and timber features, all aimed at encouraging wildlife and providing a space for local residents to enjoy living near and walking through.

The landscaping work has been undertaken by Brambledown Landscape Services and the metal artwork was developed by local Artist Andrew McKeown.

Andrew said: “By working with the local schools and young people we have really been able to make links with the local people and the heritage of the area.

“The artwork connects the Cleveland Hills, with the iron ore that forged the steel works that Middlesbrough developed out of. The site shows sections of Roseberry Topping, Wainstones and Eston Hills, where the ore was first discovered. The bollards on the site name some of the foundries that were successful in Middlesbrough.”

Michele MacCallam, Senior Landscape Architect from Groundwork North East, said “This has been an exciting project for Groundwork, working with enthusiastic partners who have a genuine desire to improve the quality of life for their residents. It is also a true example of the benefits of collaborative working between artists and landscape architects developing through consultation to create an end product that is really interesting.”
 

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