As you can see, there’s an awful lot of work to be done yet, but The Fork in the Road restaurant will be a starting point for some people to get their lives back on track.
First and foremost it’ll be a great restaurant that we can all enjoy but it will also provide vital work opportunities for ex-offenders, determined and recovering addicts and anyone who needs a fresh start.
This massive venture is being partly funded by the charity I chair, CEO Sleepout, with sponsorship money raised by business people sleeping rough for a night.
The project is also funded with NHS funds with the fantastic help of Middlesbrough Council.
The venue is still pretty secret – other than saying it’s on Linthorpe Rd Middlesbrough.
I’ll provide a further update as things progress – and more pictures in a few days’ time.