city status bid    messages of support

“Over the past fifteen years Middlesbrough has gone through a period of vast and significant improvement.

“With the transporter bridge, dock clock tower and Anish Kapoor sculpture creating its distinctive skyline, Middlesbrough is indisputably the economic and social hub of the Teesside area.

“We are now home to nationally recognised institutions such as the award-winning Teesside University and the James Cook University Hospital; one of the best hospitals in the country. Institutions such as these are beacons for the area which drive improvement and set high standards.

“Jobs have been created and culture fuelled by the building of the Riverside Stadium, the opening of the Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art, and the development of Middlehaven.

“Middlesbrough is widely recognised as the Tees Valley regional capital and has the size, status and standing of a city. As of the 2001 census, the town’s population numbered almost 135,000 people; a higher population than long-established cities such as Exeter and Norwich.

“Particularly at this time, it is vital that Middlesbrough continues to drive growth and attract investment to the wider Teesside area. Complementary bids such as that to create a Local Enterprise Partnership have the aim of doing just that.

“City status would provide validation to Middlesbrough’s continuous efforts to climb confidently out of recession and regain its industrial pre-eminence with a revitalised economy based on the development of new technologies, building on its work ethic, its industrial heritage and geographical area.

“Middlesbrough is a transformed town worthy of city status.”

“I wholeheartedly support Middlesbrough’s city bid. It would be a great boost not only to Middlesbrough but also to the surrounding area. With a great university, excellent shopping & leisure facilities and a top football team, Middlesbrough is already a city at heart. I urge all the residents to get behind this bid which will help attract even more businesses and opportunities to the area.”

“A successful bid for city status for Middlesbrough would be a brilliant development for the region. Teesside is a vibrant, up-and-coming area with lots of potential for investment. This bid could make that bright future even brighter.”

“We fully support Middlesbrough in their bid to gain city status and wish them every success as it can only bring about benefits to the wider Tees Valley.

“Through the Stockton Middlesbrough Initiative we are already working together, with our strategic partners, for the long term regeneration of our towns. This link is fundamental to creating a significant urban centre for Tees Valley to rival major cities in terms of its size and appeal.”

“I wish every success to Middlesbrough in their efforts to become a city. This will benefit not only Middlesbrough but the whole of Teesside and beyond.”

“I am personally delighted to back Middlesbrough's bid for city status. Should the bid be successful, it will bring tremendous profile to Middlesbrough and the wider Tees Valley. In my view, Middlesbrough is already a city in everything but name and to grant city status will give the town the recognition it deserves.”

“Middlesbrough has much to offer and, as with all towns across the Tees Valley, we share with them a great sense of community spirit and pride.

“A successful bid will be a huge boost to Middlesbrough and the whole Tees Valley raising the profile of the area as a great place to live, work and invest. I fully support the City Status Bid.”

“We are delighted that one of our regional partners is bidding for city status and we wish them every success. I hope that Middlesbrough’s bid to achieve city status is successful.”

“The NECC Middlesbrough Committee welcomes and wholeheartedly supports Middlesbrough Council’s bid for City Status, which would raise the profile of the whole region and provide immense benefit to business and commerce alike.

“City Status would provide a real endorsement to Middlesbrough’s recent achievements including mima, Centre Square, Digital City, University of the Year and Temenos, and demonstrable proof of all of our aspirations for the area.”

“Middlesbrough Partnership, the town’s local strategic partnership, provides a framework within which all sectors and sections of the community can participate in delivering a shared vision that seeks to make Middlesbrough a thriving, vibrant community where people and businesses succeed.

“All of the available evidence shows that while Middlesbrough still has a number of problems arising from the need to restructure its economy away from a historically too narrow a base, very considerable progress has been made over the last decade. This progress has particularly involved developing its commercial and service sectors, environment and cultural facilities, many of which focus on its town centre.

“Such urban centres to be successful rely very heavily on their environment, services and workforce but image and perception are also key issues.

“Middlesbrough Partnership believes that the town’s progress warrants recognition in genuinely starting to become the “city centre” of the Tees Valley region. This would not only bring enormous perceptual benefits but could also assist in further growing our employment base.

Middlesbrough Partnership wishes the town every success in its bid for city status.”

“I believe Middlesbrough gaining city status is long over-due and we need the platform to promote ourselves effectively.

“Getting together a bid that we can all work together and pull behind will galvanize us locally.

 “We need to exploit the price of the pound and become the exporting capital of Britain to grow our way out of the recession. As a city, the status and prestige will help us do this. Teesside manufacturing will save Britain.”

"I am very pleased on behalf of Erimus Housing and the Fabrick Housing Group to support Middlesbrough’s application for City Status.

Middlesbrough has been the recipient of high profile and often very negative criticism in the recent past and this does not reflect the place that my organisation works in and represents. Middlesbrough has a clear vision as to where it wants to be and the scale of physical regeneration in the last few years has demonstrated that there is a collective will to improve the town for current and future residents.

Erimus has itself invested over £150 million in improving housing in the town and we are proud of the impact this has had in our communities. Our tenants constantly tell us that they are also proud to live in Middlesbrough and we feel that this message does not get the support it deserves.

We feel that the application for City Status would give residents a much needed confidence boost and help promote the good things about Middlesbrough that we all recognise as being the reality."

"We share the belief that City status would have a very significant beneficial effect in terms of profile and local pride with very positive ramifications for the health and well-being of our people. A successful bid would be a huge boost to a town that is facing such enormous challenges across its communities over the next few years."

“A remarkable transformation is underway in Middlesbrough driven by clear vision, determination and significant public and private sector investment.

“The town is justifiably ambitious and there is no doubt that having a city in Tees Valley would enhance our ability to attract leading national and international investors and developers, and we will do everything we can to support the bid.”

"Teesside University is very proud of its partnerships with all those individuals and organisations that comprise our home-town of Middlesbrough.

Middlesbrough’s application for city status is richly-justified and we offer our full support and participation."

"Barnardo’s Tees Valley Projects fully agree to support this bid….. which would benefit the town and communities as a whole, and would also have a more positive affect on individuals."

"Middlesbrough is one of the main places in the North-East. I would absolutely support the bid to get city status. It is important for the area as it could access different funding, it is important for the image as well as attracting more tourism and industry."

"It is about time is made a city. Whenever I come home, I am constantly amazed at the developments and additions to Middlesbrough. Being given city status would be appropriate recognition of its importance to this country."

"Middlesbrough has forever been an emerging force, both on the high street and within industry, and is finally making its name amongst some of the bigger cities in the country.

With the introduction of the Temenos, an excellent investment in the Middlehaven area and a rising force in the new business sector being developed particularly by the institute of digital innovation, DigitalCity and Teesside University, Middlesbrough is not a place to be disregarded anymore.

Not only that but Teesside University is fast becoming the university to be at in the country. With a strong reputation for successful graduates heading out in the world with leading companies such as Apple and Aston Martin benefiting from our naturally local talent.

It would be a just reward if Middlesbrough was recognized as a city finally. And rightfully.".

"I strongly believe that we should be given City status as this will boost our local economy and show people that Middlesbrough is NOT the grim and depressing place that it always seems to be portrayed as. We have lots to offer and some truly beautiful places in and around the town."

"We will be a great city and the people of Middlesbrough will be spurred on by this. It will be the greatest honour the Town could have."

"It will boost local identity and promote the area for external investment."

"Visited Middlesbrough last year for a chess tournament and thought it was lovely. Middlesbrough is modern and yet wonderfully historic - surely a most deserving candidate for city status and a great ambassador for England!"

"Its a great diverse place to live, work and play!"

"I love Middlesbrough with a passion..and am all for moving forward with a City status..we have everything you could want in a place to live and more !"

"Middlesbrough needs to be supported cared for and loved.Its residents and workforce care passionately about a great future,believing Middlesbrough's heartbeat pulses carries through Britain  a hope for tomorrow,a strength for today."

"Teesside needs a city and if we can't be a single authority then Boro as the largest town is the next logical option. The town has the feel of a city...I am a Stockton resident but can see the wider benefits in this for our area."

"This status will not only benefit Middlesbrough but the whole area.
It is about time we got city status, smaller towns than Middlesbrough have been granted city status."

"Given the economic, cultural and social contribution   Middlesbrough has made over the centuries to the United Kingdom I think it only fitting that the town be rewarded for all to see. Up The Boro !"

"Middlesbrough is long overdue being granted City status.
Although I am a Stocktonian, I recognise that Middlesbrough has long been - in all but name - the city at the heart of the Teesside conurbation. In recent years Middlesbrough has been transformed through its architecture, its cultural life and its diversity of industry: all these things combine to reinforce the need for Gladstone's nineteenth century 'infant Hercules' to become the twenty-first century city it so richly deserves to be."

"Middlesbrough is an up and coming town with the potential to set a standard of how a city should be.
For the local people and businesses, Middlesbrough becoming a city will be a massive advantage in times ahead."

"Middlesbrough is a great place to live, there is variety and culture."

“To gain city status would be not only a massive fillip to Middlesbrough but to the entire Teesside conurbation. We gave the world Captain Cook, Brian Clough and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, while we’ve still got our wonderful Transporter Bridge, the Riverside Stadium, mima and a thriving university. Equally, we’ve taken more than our fair share of knocks over the years. But, as the song goes, we get knocked down but we get up again, and again, and again. Now’s the time for us to receive a helping hand in the way of city status that would bring us some much-needed positive publicity just when we need it most.”

"l've lived all over the country but MIDDLESBROUGH will always be home and l love driving up the A68 and seeing all the chimneys hoving into view.  We have got it all, brilliant town and fantastic countryside. We deserve this status. "

"Middlesbrough has the drive, desire, passion, commitment, talent, infrastructure, heritage and quality far beyond its current status. It is already a city in everything but name."

"We have all the trappings of a city - a mayor, a fine new 'city' centre, MIMA, iconic Transporter Bridge, great University, a cathedral, and a strong social identity. So lets see it all pulled together into city status."

"Middlesbrough is an aspirational town with communities that have a passion for promoting the success and achievements we have.  The people who live, work and visit Middlesbrough have immense local pride.  Granting Middlesbrough 'City' status will allow it to flourish on a national stage and communicate what it has to offer to a wider audience."

"The people of the town who are so proud of it need a boost. City status will give some pride back to an area that is so often pilloried in the press and media. I'm proud of Middlesbrough and the work done by our council. Give us City status and watch us grow in stature and performance."

"It's time we put Middlesbrough on the map. We are not just a dying post-industrial town. We are innovative, modern and fresh. I wish this bid all the best!"

"In my heart, Middlesbrough is a capital city of Teesside. It is vibrant, modern and the largest town of all wider Tees area. I fully support Middlesbrough bidding for City status and Hopefully Middlesbrough will win in 21st Century. "

"Our University continues to go from strength to strength and brings people from all over the world to Middlesbrough, just like any city should!"

"Middlesbrough is a brilliant place to live. Having city status would ultimately bring more trade, attention and prosperity to a place which already has an abundance of brilliant people & businesses.

We are a business focussed on the arts and theatre, and I can tell you that Middlesbrough and Teesside have a lot to offer the arts; globally, nationally and locally. 

I fully support this bid, and will do everything in my power to help it along. Middlesbrough and the surrounding areas have everything you could want from a city, why not give us a chance to grow. "

"This could speed up the re-generation of Teesside as a whole. This is an area that has been hit particularly hard by job cuts to steel and chemical industries and city status could help create new jobs to fill this void."

"Middlesbrough is the longest place I have lived since moving to England. The people are great, there is always something to do and more importantly there's always something to see. I will miss Boro when I go to Uni, but will be proud to call it my 2nd Home! "

"The area needs to be recognised as a City to support the immediate and surrounding area."

 “As one of Tees Valley's leading digital companies Onyx Group is pleased to be supporting Middlesbrough's bid for City Status.

Our area is becoming increasingly known for the strength of its digital sector, and it would be boost to business to see the area properly recognised as a city.

We have the talent and ability locally to be as major a player in the industries of the future as we have been in the industries of the past, and every opportunity to promote our area should be exploited.”

"I support city status for Middlesbrough because it will be better and Middlesbrough will get the place on the map it deserves."

"I have seen Middlesbrough  consistently evolving, improving, changing for the better over the last ten years, a lot of places are being regenerated, renovated, new businesses are growing, I am very proud to witness the development of Middlesbrough and look forward to see it being awarded the status it deserves. A great city to live and work in."

"I moved to Middlesbrough in 2003 to go to Teesside University and have never gone back to Norwich where I am originally from.  I love living in Middlesbrough – it's true that people in the north are more friendly than in the south!  And despite the bad press that Middlesbrough sometimes receives, I have seen real improvements in my time here.

My family (who are all from 'down south') have always assumed Middlesbrough is already a city because it has all of the ingredients of one – decent shops, a good university, nice parks etc.  It really deserves city status so I wish Middlesbrough the best of luck in the competition."

"Middlesbrough is a town by name, but certainly not by nature. There is an immense feeling of pride for people who come from Middlesbrough because of it's history.

Making Middlesbrough into a city will unlock the already great potential it has. It would enable a greater attraction of investors to the area, and enable it to grow."

"A unique place with some of the warmest and friendliest people on the planet. An amazing history of immigration, industry and pride. Middlesbrough fully deserves city status."

"Middlesbrough has brilliant facilities/amenities and good transport system".

"The Tees Valley Engineering Partnership represents our area's hundred years  and more of engineering history, its proven track record of innovation and achievement plus its unique accumulation of engineering skills, knowledge and talent.   It enables companies, learning organisations and support groups to work together in collaborations and partnerships to equip themselves for a sustainable future by developing capabilities that can compete with the best at all engineering levels, anywhere in the world.

Partnership members represent Middlesbrough, Teesside and the Tees Valley across the world, sending our talent and expertise to its farthest and remotest corners. There are few places where our area is not immediately known and recognised by the contribution that our businesses and people make to vital  landmark projects.  Our members are passionate about the area they come from, and proud to act as its global ambassadors.

The Engineering Partnership is supporting Middlesbrough's bid for City Status because of the boost it would give to our area in its continued development of a world class engineering sector, and to the enhanced profile and status it would give to our area, and the businesses that work here, across the world."

"Middlesbrough has outgrown its status as a town and its recent cultural developments such as MIMA, BOHO, Temenos, the ongoing Middlehaven development and Platform Arts Studios in Middlesbrough Train Station demonstrate that it is a thriving and dynamic destination deserving the title of City. "

"We fully support our great town in its bid for CITY STATUS. COME ON THE BORO."

"I support Middlesbrough's bid for City Status as a former resident with relatives in the area; it would surely boost the local economy and is I believe well deserved."

"I grew up in the area. I have since moved to London but would consider moving back to the area when I am older and want to settle down. Growing up in Middlesbrough set me on the right track and now I successfully work for the largest marketing agency in the capital."

"I support the City Status for Middlesbrough because it's at the heart of the Tees Valley and is a strong community with many focal points.

It also has beautiful scenery, as displayed in Centre Square and aims to provide youths especially with many life changing options, for example Teesside University, enabling people from more deprived backgrounds to further their education."

"Having lived in Teesside for 15 years I've seen Middlesbrough strive to improve in education, arts and business. As an incomer from the south, the community spirit and sense of belonging is more palpable here than anywhere I've lived before. Its a place where everyone will come together with pride and passion when required. I can't think of another place in the country that deserves city status more."

"Although I live in Atlanta, GA - I am Middlesbrough born and bred and nothing would give me more pride or happiness in my home town than finally being able to say I am from the City of Middlesbrough."

"Middlesbrough benefits from the efforts of more than 100 voluntary organisations, and these complement the efforts of national and local Government, and professional services by giving support to those in the area that are disadvantaged in some way. For example, Middlesbrough has three Rotary Clubs, the oldest of which is celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2011. Membership is from local government, major employers, the service sector, small businesses and the self employed. Clubs raise funds for local charitable causes, promote the area and invest effort to support local hospitals and schools, and people with disabilities. In the current economic climate, clubs are giving particular focus to assisting Council initiatives, following the emerging principles of the Big Society. As an example, with minimal public funding available to support the celebration of the centenary of Middlesbrough's icon, the Transporter Bridge, the Middlesbrough Erimus Club is organising a series of events that will also raise funds for local charities.

The Rotary Clubs believe that granting City Status is vital to Middlesbrough. It would provide a substantial boost to the efforts being made by national government (through selection of the Tees Valley as an enterprise zone), local government, commerce and voluntary organisations to complete the renaissance of an area that has been particularly hard hit by industrial decline."

"Middlesbrough benefits from the efforts of more than 100 voluntary organisations, and these complement the efforts of national and local Government, and professional services by giving support to those in the area that are disadvantaged in some way. For example, Middlesbrough has three Rotary Clubs, the oldest of which is celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2011. Membership is from local government, major employers, the service sector, small businesses and the self employed. Clubs raise funds for local charitable causes, promote the area and invest effort to support local hospitals and schools, and people with disabilities. In the current economic climate, clubs are giving particular focus to assisting Council initiatives, following the emerging principles of the Big Society. As an example, with minimal public funding available to support the celebration of the centenary of Middlesbrough's icon, the Transporter Bridge, the Middlesbrough Erimus Club is organising a series of events that will also raise funds for local charities.

The Rotary Clubs believe that granting City Status is vital to Middlesbrough. It would provide a substantial boost to the efforts being made by national government (through selection of the Tees Valley as an enterprise zone), local government, commerce and voluntary organisations to complete the renaissance of an area that has been particularly hard hit by industrial decline."

"We have three great rivers in the North East, the Tyne, Wear and Tees. Newcastle upon Tyne is a city, Sunderland on the Wear is a city. Middlesbrough on the Tees has just as much right to city status. Making Middlebrough a city would help define our region.

Middlesbrough has a proud history as the first new town of the industrial age, the "Infant Hercules" that led the way in the world's first industrial revolution. We are once again a place of aspiration, a town that could lead a new industrial revolution of green technology, a town that seeks to turn deprivation into prosperity, a town that aspires to be a city."

"I am originally from Middlesbrough, and even after working in London and a number of other European cities it never fails to amaze me how passionate the people of Middlesbrough are. I now own a number of businesses in and around Teesside and to see Middlesbrough receive city status would be a major boost to many if not all businesses in the area including my own."

"I have created a wonderful life for myself in Middlesbrough. From moving up to the Middlesbrough in 1999 to go to Uni., once completed I ended up staying in Middlesbrough and working. I have now been living here for over 10 years, made some amazing friends, work in a job which I love every day... I wouldn't change a thing... apart from the status! I believe Middlesbrough City Status is long overdue and will do wonders for the residents, community, commuters and the overall outlook for Middlesbrough as a whole! :-) Give me a C, Give me an I, Give me a T, Give me a Y!!! CITY!!!"

"Middlesbrough is a fantastic town, which should really be a city. It's the heart of Teesside, and full of wonderful people, who are making this place the place to be."

“As the Mayor of Middlesbrough often says, the children and young people of the town are our future. Gaining city status would send them a strong message about how Middlesbrough is valued and confirm the pride they already have in their town. This is encapsulated in the film prepared by young people to celebrate what the town has to offer them (Live, Learn and Work video available on  Love Middlesbrough: Key Strengths - Education)

As Director of Children, Families and Learning, I fully support the proposal that Middlesbrough gain City Status for the positive message it would give to our young people.”

"Middlesbrough deserves to get city status, it will boost business, local morale and secure jobs and investment in Middlesbrough."

As the town offers a wide variety of facilities and achieving City status would bring some welcomed investment into the area in what is a very tough time.

"Middlesbrough is long overdue being granted city status. I wish this bid all the best!"

"Middlesbrough could certainly do with the boost in terms of image and investment that City Status would bring. The Tees Valley has a population of over 500 thousand, its nearest Cities are Sunderland and Durham to the North and York to the South.. This region and the North East really do require another city."

"Clairville Community Council supports Middlesbrough Councils bid for city status. We feel that the work involved in the bid and and the conferring of city status will give a boost to all organisations that work in Middlesbrough. As active citizens involved in our local community, we are proud of the town and our contribution in its regeneration. City status will give some recognition to Middlesbrough and its people for their continued efforts to make a a strong town even stronger."

"Middlesbrough and its surrounding areas are mysterious hidden diamonds that are soon to be discovered!"

"Middlesbrough is a fantastic place to live work and play. Middlesbrough is full of passionate people, organisations and businesses that have a can do attitude. Middlesbrough is a vibrant city in all but name. Together we can make this happen."

"Middlesbrough is a dynamic and ambitious place to live and work that has dramatically changed over recent years. This bid for city status if a great way to highlight and realise the ambitions of the people that live and work here."

"Teesside is long overdue having a city at its heart. City status for Middlesbrough would add weight to the wider regeneration of our area; aiding prosperity and confidence throughout the sub-region. Good luck!"

"Middlesbrough is the sub regional centre of the Tees Valley for the continued success region its important that the hub of the Tees valley is recognised as an economic and social centre of a city scale. It has all the requirements of a major city (less the premiership club which is a work in progress!) and awarding city status would help stimulate further economic advances and encourage private sector investment."

"Middlesbrough may be small but thinks BIG."

"Middlesbrough is rapidly becoming the centre for individuality in the North East. I've never witnessed so many diverse styles and tastes like those available in Middlesbrough. Middlesbrough is becoming a hub for teenagers of all backgrounds and with city status, dramatic investment would allow the run-down areas in the centre to be refurbished and/or replaced. It's a shame to see so many non-leased shops inside shopping centres like the Mall and I see the city status as key to changing the demographics surrounding the city centre and to encourage investment...To me, the city bid is about more than just a title, it's an opportunity. It's an opportunity to attract private investment in order to become a more independent town and region. It's an opportunity to develop the new Middlesbrough as a modern, current centre of Teen Culture, MIMA and Middlehaven would just be the start of something major with the city bid. Back the Bid!"

"I feel Middlesbrough has great potential for developing creative culture and achieving city status will help make it a reality."

"I have worked in virtually every city in the British Isles during the course of my career. A lot of these cities are nowhere near as big as Middlesbrough!

Middlesbrough is a great place which fills every criteria it needs to become a city. Long regarded as a poor relation to Newcastle, Sunderland and York, we deserve city status. Wonderful university and cathedral, thriving town centre and wonderful people make this bid impossible to ignore."

"Take a good look at Middlesbrough. Take a really good look. You will see it truly is a passionate, unique and resilient place. In the face of many adversities as a formerly poor North Eastern town, we have overcome all obstacles to get where we are today. For example our beautiful Middlesbrough Railway Station was once as big and as magnificent as the York’s Station; however, it was destroyed by German bombs on 3rd August 1942. Did that stop us? No it did not. Onwards and upwards the Middlesbrough citizens roar, and now our present Train Station is a hub of buzzing transport for travelling up and down the UK. So where are we now? A hip, young, fun place to live and work, with fashion, museums, music, entertainment, fine dining, night-life, and loads more fantastic gems waiting to be uncovered by people from far and wide! Surrounded by gorgeous countryside, coastlines and a visually breathtaking industrial heritage, Middlesbrough is the place to be. We built the world after all, Teesside’s steel is standing proud and tall across the globe, and it’s time we did too, as an inspiring, energetic and vibrant City."

Middlesbrough has regenerated itself in a tremendous way over the last few years, and has come back after many a knock, it's people have an earthy humour and a 'can do' attitude and just get on with whatever life throws at them. The boro is worthy of achieving this new status, I hope it is successsful.

"It is about time Middlesbrough was recognised for the fact that it is a city in all but name. Let's be a city and get some investment into the area!"

"No matter where my career takes me in life, Middlesbrough will always be my home. I'm incredibly proud and feel privileged to come from such a fantastic place. The support that I received from the Boro during my time on BBC1's Over the Rainbow was incredible and completely overwhelming.

I had an amazing upbringing filled with love, security, happiness and support from my community, all which took place in Middlesbrough. I have watched as our town has developed over the years and have admired it's ambition. Each time I visit Boro, there is always something new to explore.

I am now 19 years old, studying for my degree in Musical Theatre in London, and still nothing beats jumping on a train and travelling back to the place where my dreams were born.

Up the Boro!"

"I believe Middlesbrough is so much more than just a town, it has a wealth of culture history and deserves for everyone here to be a city."

"Middlesbrough is home to some the country's most talented and enterprising people. You only need look at how the area has fought the decline of heavy industry and become a leading player in the renewable energy sector to see how we take the knock backs and make them opportunities - exactly what Britain wants in a city. We work hard, we play hard and I am one of thousands who is very proud to be from Middlesbrough."

"The question many people ask outside of Middlesbrough is why do we deserve to be a city? My answer to them is why not? Middlesbrough is a cultural, diverse and multi-ethnic society which values and acknowledges every individual's achievements. With our industrial heritage, we are the heart of British steel and our fantastic, enjoyable and family festivals such as Middlesbrough Mela and Intro Festival make us the social capital of Teesside. We take pride in education with our award-winning Teesside University and our modern day Middlesbrough College, which gained Better Health At Work Award from Public Health North East this year, making it a clean learning environment for all to experience!

Middlesbrough also has many unique landmarks to be proud of, including our Transporter Bridge which carries cars and passengers across the river, making it a different and fantastic trip! We also have the MIMA Art Gallery, one of the UK's leading galleries of modern and classic art for all to enjoy. Middlesbrough also has the Dorman Museum, which is a tribute to our local history and way of life! Middlesbrough is also the birth place of the world famous Captain James Cook, British explorer, commemorating his life with the museum in Stewart's Park which a lot of the public enjoy.

Middlesbrough also has a lot of projects happening, including We Are Golden which gives young people a gateway into the media world and also keeps them off the streets, the BME Network which works with Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic organisations within Middlesbrough and creates projects to promote understanding of other cultures, religions and races.

Middlesbrough also has it's own community radio station which many enjoy, called Community Voice FM which broadcasts to a potential audience of 147,000 people. Also youth schemes such as Believe & Achieve which has been designed by myself, aiming to reduce anti-social behaviour by introducing young people to the music and media industry, backed by the MYP Thomas Robinson and also Mayor Ray Mallon, with many other supporters and close partners.

Middlesbrough is a place which has been built by many hard working citizens who we remember and take pride in, and because of them it is still an on going and developing community which has plenty of potential and opportunities to share! I myself, as a young member of this community, is proud to be a part of it and it's future, and we deserve this more than anywhere else!"

"Middlesbrough is the best best place to live work and play."

“Middlesbrough is not only a great place to live but the people here love their sport – and it has an incredible number of great sportsmen and women. In fact, if Teesside had represented itself at the Commonwealth Games we would have finished 14 th in the medal table! I have always lived in Loftus but Middlesbrough was always the focal point for good shopping and a great place to chill out. I love it for the Riverside Stadium, the iconic Transporter Bridge and the booming university. I’d love to see Middlesbrough become a city – it would be absolutely merited.”

“City status would undoubtedly provide a wonderful boost to the people of Middlesbrough.

“While there is a long industrial heritage, tremendous steps have been taken to move the area forward with new technologies and the forward thinking Teesside University.

“Making Middlesbrough a City should prove a catalyst for attracting further business and visitors, which in turn will hopefully improve the economic situation.

“The people have had to cope with adversity for so many years. Due to the decline in traditional industries, they face new challenges, but City status for a proud population would be deserved recognition.

“As a town, Middlesbrough has contributed so much to the fabric of the whole nation, through steel and chemicals, internationally famous bridge building and with famous sons such as Captain James Cook, Don Revie and Brian Clough.

“City status would be thoroughly deserved and would develop pride in younger generations to come.”

“For me, Middlesbrough is already a city in all but name. I love the place. It’s where I grew up and started my life and career. The football club have helped to put Middlesbrough on the European map in recent years but there’s plenty of other things we have to be proud about. I know there are big plans but I think it could do with a helping hand. Granting city status would be a massive boost for Middlesbrough and Teesside as a whole.”

"Middlesbrough is a great place for artists to live and work, with a world class art gallery on the doorstep, great public art and a wealth of opportunities that are made possible by the people of Middlesbrough's attitude to embrase change and the creative industries I wouldn't want to live anywhere else.

The town is really on the up and I have had opportunities here that I just wouldn't be able to achieve anywhere else. I have worked with many artists and arts professionals in the past few years and all that visit Middlesbrough fall in love with the place and continue to return here.

People often say Middlesbrough the North East's best keep secret but I think its about time we started spreading the word and city status would be that boost the town deserves."

"Thanks to the support network, infrastructure, great university, and wonderful office spaces Middlesbrough provided the perfect environment to start my first business, Graphic.ly, which has since raised $4m in US venture capital and featured by both Microsoft and Google at major shows. So when it came time set up Audacious, my co-founder and I didn't think twice about set up in Middlesbrough again."

"I wholeheartedly support the City bid. It would be great recognition for how far Middlesbrough has advanced over the last few years. In many ways we are already a City – the status would reinforce how proud we are of our heritage and location. Middlesbrough is a great, creative and forward thinking place, and I would be delighted to see it commended in this way. "

"Middlesbrough is a major region within the North-East of England, which deserves to have a city status. It’ll be great for the town as it will enable it to access larger funding since the population in the town is increase dramatically, including the BME community within Middlesbrough. The city status will also enables young people such as myself, who has worked with the BME Network, Harmony Initiative and CVFM, to have more youth facilities and projects to attend, which helps young people to learn new skills and keep them off the streets."

"I am proud to live and work in Middlesbrough a town that I want to shoot for the stars and flourish as a city."

"Middlesbrough has been my home for nearly 10 years and it's by far the best place for a futsal club to flourish. The people are supportive, it's a great size not to get lost, becoming a city would help us be taken seriously on an international level. It would also make the region even more proud to come from Middlesbrough and Teesside. We may even add 'city' to our name!"

"I support our city bid because…

For more than 20 years I have enjoyed travelling and working all over the world but there is no better feeling than returning home to Middlesbrough, more so if it was the City of Middlesbrough.

Let the City of Middlesbrough rise from the ashes of the 'Infant Hercules'"

"Middlesbrough is clearly a city in all but name. As the centre of a mighty industrial conurbation the people deserve the title of city. To represent not only the town but the whole area. "

"We deserve it"

"Middlesbrough is an easy place to fall in love with"

"Middlesbrough has an irreppressible energy that has continued to flow throughout this town since its birth and helped it to grow beyond its boundaries into first an ironstone giant, then a maker of steel, a major port, a leader in chemical manufacture, a football club worthy of the Premier League and beyond, an area with unique and beautiful landmarks, a stunning Albert 'People's' Park in its centre that hosts one of the country's most successful parkruns, a shining light in grassroots sports, music, fashion, arts and entertainment, a body of people with an unbeatable sense of humour, fierce pride, and a force of will to go on and thrive as a city that will blaze a trail for the rest of the country and transform itself from an underdog who never gave up to a frontrunner at the cutting edge of social and economic regeneration. I'm proud of my home town and of living and working here. The spirit of this fantastic place can only be enhanced by the award of city status, and our people definitely deserve it."

“I have always thought of Middlesbrough as a city. Although I was born in bred in Brazil and now live there, I consider Middlesbrough to be my second home. It was not somewhere I had even heard of until I first joined Middlesbrough Football Club, but I loved the club, the town and the people so much that I returned there three times!

For me, Middlesbrough is a wonderful place with proud, friendly, passionate people. And yet even in England, so many people do not realise what a great place it is. Of course, it has some challenges but that is why it needs to be recognised as a city, to help the economy and to provide more positive publicity. When I think of England, I think of Middlesbrough. It is a place England can feel very proud of and I am very proud to support its bid to become a city.”

"Marvellous, Inspiring, Dynamic, Daring, Loveable, Energised, Sharing,
Bold, Reliable, Optimistic, Unique, Gracious, Heroic, 13 adjectives
which used as an acronym serve to remind folk that MIDDLESBROUGH is a
location that simply deserves FULL CITY STATUS.  Southside Broadcasting
is delighted to offer not only our best wishes but also total support
for this bid."

"As a non resident I feel Middlesbrough is a superb place with a very misguided repution among those who do not know the place.

For its size and location it has a superb shopping centre with excellent specialist shops. The surrounding areas of countryside and coast are a match for anywhere else in the country.

There is always a lot going on sports events, music, Galas etc. I can't believe it isn't already a City when you consider some of the places that are.

It is certainly vastly superior to the contenders this time."

“I spent 12 very happy years as Chancellor of Teesside University and was always impressed at the partnership between “town and gown”. I have long admired the endeavour that Middlesbrough displays and the way in which it takes great pride in education, culture and its great industrial heritage. I wish the people of Middlesbrough every success in their application for city status”

"Even when I was growing up, I always regarded Middlesbrough as the "local City". It's certainly a nicer and more vibrant place than the southern media make out. It's the hub of the Teesside area , and in my opinion deserves city status."

"The UK and the rest of the World have, and still are benefitting from the best that Middlesbrough has to offer. Give Teesside something back. Give it City status, and let The Infant Hercules grow."

"It has proved that despite the many changes in employment opportunities and the changing industrial heritage it has had, the Boro is moving forward to stand there with the best. As an "ex pat" who worked for some years in Middlesbrough I am still proud to say I hail from Middlesbrough."

"It would be a fantastic boost for our whole region if Middlesbrough was awarded city status.

Middlesbrough does not only have world class facilities such as Teesside University and James Cook University Hospital, it is also a hotbed for sport, with the state of the art Riverside Stadium as it’s focal point.

But for me the main thing about Middlesbrough is the people! I have been fortunate enough to travel all over the world in my chosen sport and i can honestly say that I have never come across people who are more friendly and also so fiercely proud of where they come from as the people of Middlesbrough.

Being given city status would help Middlesbrough to attract extra funding, tourism and industry which could help us to grow our way out of recession."

"The place never leaves anyone who lives away. I've been in China for the last 6 and a half years, and have done my utmost to tell all my students about that venerable town (which should be a City) on the North East coast. Hao yun Boro!

"I'm not from Teesside but I moved there from Ramsgate and lived there for eight years. It's a super place, with lovely people and needs city status to overcome the negative and incorrect image the media gives it."

"The 'Boro', a culturally diverse and welcoming haven that nurtures warm, talented and successful people. A place that continues to meet the modern challenges of the world as it reinvents itself whilst embracing its heritage. It is home and I love it!"

"Middlesbrough having City status would help the whole region grow and move into the future. My question would be, how soon could we get a Teesside tube system after Middlesbrough becomes a city?"

"Middlesbrough over the last century has been an attributable part of the economy with its long existing manufacturing industry. Middlesbrough has since developed and grown into an up and coming town in the North East despite what national image protrays. Being born in Middlesbrough and living in the Middlesbrough area for all of my life, it would be great to see something given back to the people of Teesside. I therefore "Back the Bid" of Middlesbrough becoming a city which will no doubt lead to further prosperity."

"I think Middlesbrough should get city status."

"Middlesbrough Is worthy of city status;

its cosmopolitan and promotes many cultures in style and cuisine; night life is second to none with nationally renowned clubs / bars / restaurants; fantastic education facilities with the likes of Teesside University flying the flag high; excellent recreation facilities with the coast and countryside being so close; Great transport networks with buses and affordable taxis; excellent business opportunities with support from local Government backed agencies; the list is endless.

Most of all it’s the people of Middlesbrough that will make a city to be proud of; friendly, helpful & sociable, the ingredients and building blocks of a city – And we already have it all here – Middlesbrough – Quality Life at its Best!

We are behind you all the way Babe."

Middlesbrough is the finest undiscovered secret of Britain. The town has huge potential and it is a strategic business place in the North of England. Middlesbrough is close to major cities such as: Sunderland, York, Durham and Newcastle. If Middlesbrough becomes a city, it will become a commercial centre city in the North East, and it will play a vital role in revitalising the economy of North East.

As I am not a native of Middlesbrough I may not talk much about the town, but I can express some of my few observations I made in the last three years I spent in this great and special town. During my stay in Middlesbrough as a student, I have discovered that the people of Middlesbrough are very warm and welcoming people to foreign students. I also learned that the people of Middlesbrough are very hard working people with entrepreneurial spirit. The town has got one of the best universities in Britain and in the world, “Teesside University”.

Middlesbrough has a rich history, and I know the British people are proud of their history...it would  be wrong to not give Middlesbrough city status, in recognition of its historical importance and all its beautiful past.

I am not a British citizen, I don’t have any asylum granted to me either (so I am not favouring anything or anyone), but I strongly advocate for Middlesbrough to become a city because of the way it qualifies from all aspect for city status. Middlesbrough MUST become a city because of the following reasons: Due to its beautiful history, if Middlesbrough becomes a city, it will attract foreigners and nationals to come and see the well hidden secrets of Middlesbrough. If Middlesbrough becomes a city, its city status will create a strong economy that will be of a great benefit to the surrounding areas and to the region of the North of England and given the current economic climate, the people in the region of Middlesbrough and North East in general need that.

I challenge the board considering the application of Middlesbrough to ask themselves a few questions: Why should Middlesbrough be granted city status? ...Middlesbrough qualifies for a city status in all aspect and it is about time that it should be granted.

Why should Middlesbrough be chosen over other towns? Because based on its history, Middlesbrough should have got city status long time ago and in comparison to other towns competing for city status, Middlesbrough is the one well qualified for the city status as per now.

With great respect, other towns can get their city status later but the one indeed and most deserving to be granted city status as we speak is Middlesbrough.

I request her majesty the Queen to consider the appeals and requests of the Middlesbrough people and grant this great and amazing town city status. Middlesbrough is a great town ready to contribute positively to British life. May Middlesbrough be granted city status.

Middlesbrough has supported my personal growth throughout education and employment, although I came from neighbouring Guisborough I have always looked to Middlesbrough as being the service town for the entirety of Teesside.

I graduated from Teesside University with the confidence to start a company with my colleague. We feel that starting a company anywhere but Middlesbrough would have been too difficult knowing the area has a strong community and offers support to graduates.

We have been fortunate enough to establish Xseed Photography Ltd in the BoHouse development which is supported by Digital City. We can only thank Middlesbrough for helping our small business grow from strength to strength and we feel it is important to recognise the potential of Middlesbrough being a city.

"It's about time Teesside had a city"

"A town with an outstanding history and heritage. Significant worldwide recognised landmarks and a fantastic university."

"Middlesbrough has changed beyond recognition in the last few years with our businesses, schools, college & university achieving City Status would put Middlesbrough and Teesside where we should be - in the lead!"

"We continue to produce talented individuals that positively contribute to the good and benefit of the country."

"I believe we should be a city. My family moved here after serving in H.M. forces in 1972, we have seen many changes for the better within the town."

"As an exile from my home town, I would love to see Middlesbrough get city status. It's a town that has long been underestimated and it's time it got the recognition it deserves!"

"Borned and raised in Middlesbrough, I am very passionate about my routes.

Middlesbrough needs city status to become a bigger player in the North East and the UK.

With the rest of the major areas in the North East being cities why aren't we??

and our football team gives the other North East cities a run for their money!"