Removal of explorer's name from shopping centre 'paused'

Plans to remove explorer Captain James Cook's name from a shopping centre near where he was born are being reviewed after the local council said the announcement had been made "prematurely".

The rebranding of Middlesbrough's Captain Cook Square as The Square was announced on social media earlier this week.

However, owner Middlesbrough Council and site operator Praxis have been accused of attempting to "rewrite history" by removing the link to the 18th-Century adventurer, whose legacy has come under increased scrutiny in recent times.

The council said the change had been intended "to reflect the area’s transformation from a shopping centre into a leisure destination".

It has now instructed Praxis carry out a public consultation before deciding whether to make the change.

The site has been known as Captain Cook Square since it opened in 1999.

But Cook's legacy has been viewed less favourably in recent years due to his treatment of the people he encountered during his voyages to the Pacific.

Indigenous activists say Cook and his crew on the HMS Endeavour committed atrocities including murder within hours of landing in New Zealand in 1769.

He died 10 years later when he was stabbed after attempting to kidnap the leader of Hawaii.

Eston resident Paul Fairbridge, 27, described Cook as a "hero".

He said: "Captain James Cook is one of the greatest people in history.

"The man's impact pretty much shaped the world, not only for the British."

Catherine Bailey, a 65-year-old from Middlesbrough, also hit out at the move.

She said the site was "named after one of our most famous sons".

"It's Captain Cook Square. There's no need to change it at all."

Middlesbrough mayor Chris Cooke, of Labour, said he understood the decision to look at rebranding the site was first mooted about 18 months ago when the now Labour-run council was led by the Conservatives.

Mr Cooke, who was elected in May this year, said it was "disappointing" a wider consultation had not been conducted and he added: "I don't agree with the decision."

The council said: “The Square branding was promoted by Praxis, the managing agent of Captain Cook Square, after consultation with current and potential tenants in February.

“No council funds have been spent on the digital branding materials issued in recent days.

“The brand was designed to reflect the area’s transformation from a shopping centre into a leisure destination.

“No consultation on the change took place with mayor Chris Cooke and his executive before the announcement, which was made prematurely.

“As a result we have asked Praxis to pause work on the rebrand so it can be reviewed and include consultation with Middlesbrough residents."

Mark Smith, head of regeneration at Praxis, said talks with tenants had "included options that referenced" Captain Cook and that further conversations on the name would now take place.

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