THE centre of a Teesside town could be in line for a new lease of life as part of a £1.5m regeneration bid.

The bid has been submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund by a partnership formed in Middlesbrough to repair and renovate the Victorian townscape around Middlesbrough's railway station.

If the bid is successful, some of the town's most important and beautiful buildings will be restored through a range of schemes. These could include loft-style apartments, hotel accommodation, education and training facilities, cafes, restaurants and a gym.

The bid is being backed by Cleveland and Teesside Local History Society, the North-East Civic Trust and the Cleveland Building Preservation Trust.

It has been prepared by Middlesbrough Town Centre Company, Middlesbrough Borough Council, and local property owners, who have all teamed up to form the Middlesbrough Historic Quarter Partnership.

Paul Nixon, from the Town Centre Company, said the Historic Quarter was where the foundations were laid for modern Middlesbrough.

"Historically, the area around Middlesbrough Railway Station was always the heart of the town. Geographically it is every bit as important today, forming as it does, the link between the Middlehaven development and the rest of the town."

Coucillor John Jones, Commissioner for Regeneration with Middlesbrough council, added: "It is all too often the case that people only really appreciate their heritage when it is gone. It is vital that we act now if Middlesbrough's heritage is to be preserved."

Graham Ramsey, from the Cornerhouse, whose owner Crown Crest Inns is behind the bid, said he was positive about its chances of success.

"We're really pleased with the application. It's a strong bid and it's come about through a dynamic and modern partnership between public and private sectors. The initial indicators are that the Lottery people are impressed with what they've seen. I just hope they're impressed enough to write us a big fat cheque and let us get on with the business of making this area great again."

The partnership expects to hear next month whether the bid has been successful.