A PUBLIC meeting to give residents the latest information on a project to secure the future of Middlesbrough’s only Grade 1 listed building takes place this week.

Mayor Ray Mallon and Neil Whittingham of developers Acklam Hall will provide an update on progress to redevelop the site, which was previously home to Middlesbrough College.

Last May the council’s planning and development committee approved plans to renovate the Hall and redevelop it as a medical centre with housing in the surrounding grounds.

Now a number of amendments are being put forward to ensure the development meets the demands of the current housing market in terms of the type and style of the proposed units.

Local groups including Acklam 20/20 and Acklam Community Council, as well as local ward members, have been involved through the redevelopment project.

Mr Mallon said: “Acklam Hall is a building of real significance and is a very important piece of Middlesbrough’s history.

“Any development of the site must respect that heritage and ensure it can be enjoyed by future generations, but that has to be set against providing the sort of housing that will sell.

“We will continue to do everything we can to ensure these proposals are appropriate and of the highest possible quality.”

Neil Whittingham, of developers Acklam Hall, said: “The Hall is a wonderful building which we are proud to be involved with, and which we are confident we can re-develop for the benefit of the whole community.”

A public meeting to update local residents on the progress of redevelopment at the Acklam Hall site will take place at Outwood Academy in Hall Drive on Thursday, March 6 from 6pm.