Surrounding mima, at 19,000 square metres, is Middlesbrough Centre Square, the largest civic space in Europe. Also designed by Erick van Egeraat Associated Architects, along with landscape architects West 8, it includes a 120-jet water feature, innovative corten steel walkways and large areas of lawn.

Centre Square is a unique outdoor auditorium for Middlesbrough and the Tees Valley. The innovative design of the square and areas around the library and mima, offer the perfect platform for diverse cultural programming.