A GROUNDBREAKING £8m neurological rehabilitation centre, which aims to mend fractured lives as well as treat patients who have suffered serious brain and spinal injuries, is about to open its doors.

From the outside it looks like a toy town playset but walk inside and The Gateway in the regenerated Middlehaven of Middlesbrough resembles a boutique hotel – redefining the image of a traditional care home.

The main building has 40 beds with sophisticated medical equipment as well as a hydrotherapy pool, spa, sauna, gym and a cafe which are also open to the public.

It is no coincidence that the 12 transitional houses and bungalows in its grounds run by Erimus Housing are brightly coloured under the shadow of the iconic painted blue Transporter bridge.

“We wanted it to look fun, it’s very important that we try and lift people’s spirits,” said Alistair McDonald Business Relationshios Director at Keiro Group which has masterminded the development.

“People who come here will be recovering from traumatic injuries or have been diagnosed with a serious neurological condition which can be that can be devastating.

“Families could have been split up if they have had to spend six months in hospital so here they can live together while their own homes are adapted.”

“People might not be going back to the same jobs that they did before so might look at retraining. They might get tired very easily but Middlesbrough College is on their doorstep. We want people to see that there is a world going on outside and we want them to be a part of it.”

He added: “We are supporting the NHS in terms of facilitating quicker discharge from hospital and reducing long term care costs by helping people live more independent lives.”

One of the first people to move in when The Gateway opens on Monday, January 6, is a Middlesbrough football fan who has requested a room with a view of his beloved Riverside stadium nearby and whose ambition is to get to a match.

“We do not have a magic wand but what we can do with our specialist team is get people as far as they can and get other forms of support around people to give them the best chance.”