Centre Square is a public area in central Middlesbrough for families to enjoy. The space is a popular spot for those looking to relax and catch up with friends. It’s also a popular spot for families to play and enjoy watching the water fountain. Find it on Google Maps here.
Opening times
- Monday to Sunday: Always open
What’s on
Centre Square plays host to many large scale music and comedy events, the Christmas lights switch-on, and the popular artisan market Orange Pip often takes place in the square.
What’s nearby
The area is fringed by some of Middlesbrough most iconic places to visit including Middlesbrough Town Hall, the world famous MIMA art gallery, Central Library, the Bottle of Notes, a duck pond, Baker and Bedford Street, and the town centre’s shops, bars and restaurants are all within walking distance.
Heritage and culture
Centre Square hosts numerous historic buildings, like MIMA, the Town Hall or Central Library, as well as several sculptures and statues.
It was designed by Erick van Egeraat Associated Architects, along with landscape architects West 8.
Bottle of Notes
Bottle of Notes is a sculpture by internationally renowned artists and creators of public artworks, Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen. The sculpture takes the form of a giant bottle, standing nine metres high, and reflects both the area’s steel heritage as well as the voyages of Captain Cook.
Find out more on the Tees Valley Museums website.
John Vaughan statue
Near the library is a statue of John Vaughan. He discovered ironstone in the Cleveland hills, and in partnership with Henry Bolckow founded the industrial heart of Middlesbrough.
Find out more on the North East Statues website.
Scales of Justice
Just outside the law court, the statue by Graham Ibbeson depicts a mother holding up two fighting siblings. Graham said he wanted to depict the contrast between aggression and tranquility.
Find out more on the North East Statues website.
How to get here
- By foot: Centre Square is slap bang in the middle of town and easily accessed from all directions
- By bus: It’s a five minute walk from Middlesbrough Bus Station, and there are several bus stops nearby including Centre Square and the Town Hall.
- By train: Middlesbrough Train Station is a ten minute walk away, directly down Albert Road.
- By car: There are plenty of large car parks nearby including Cleveland Centre car park, Captain Cook multi-storey, and the Dundas car park. These can get pretty busy on Orange Pip days however, so plan ahead!
