A handful of Middlesbrough’s most important industrial landmarks are within a short walk of eachother.
Start at the Grade II listed Dock Clock Tower, which was once a water tower which provided hydraulic power to operate the old dock gates and served as a prominent landmark for approaching ships. It now stands rather forlornly next to the Middlesbrough College campus.
Behind it, public artwork Temenos may resemble a giant butterfly net but, according to its creator international artist Anish Kapoor, it actually represents the area’s history of manufacturing. Either way, the giant dual-ringed sculpture is an undeniably impressive installation.
Further down the Vulcan Street towards the Transporter Bridge, you’ll find the protected remains of the Vulcan Street Wall, which is all that remains of the Cleveland Salt Works, whose function was to evaporate the brine from the salt bed under the River Tees. The impressive red brick structure is part of the southern wall of the building.
Most iconic of all, The Tees Transporter Bridge & Visitor Centre on Ferry Road is the longest working transporter bridge in the world, having opened in 1911, and a symbol of Teesside’s engineering and industrial heritage. The bridge itself has been closed since 2019 for essential repairs, but you can still learn about the importance of the bridge and its part in the Tees Valley’s history at the informative Visitor Centre. Check the website for opening days/times.
Read about the area’s rich industrial history, and discover more landmarks and attractions to visit, in the Tees Valley Guide.