Member Article

Middlesbrough economic strategy launched to transform town

Plans to drive forward Middlesbrough’s economic resurgence were formally launched yesterday (Monday, March 13).

Spearheaded by Elected Mayor Dave Budd and Middlesbrough Council Chief Executive Tony Parkinson, the strategy will see the town transformed through investments totalling almost £700m.

Over the next four years the Council is committed to an injection of £74m into a series of exciting developments as part of the town’s far-reaching Investment Prospectus.

Plans to shape the town’s future as the economic, cultural and leisure heart of the region were first unveiled at the end of 2016, and this week sees the strategy formally launched to key stakeholders, business leaders and opinion formers.

Chief Executive Tony Parkinson said: “Over the last few years this Council has helped facilitate a transformational regeneration programme that has delivered a purpose-built Sports Village, a world-class university campus, the restoration of Acklam Hall, Teesside Advanced Manufacturing Park, numerous town centre developments and one of the most ambitious house building programmes in its history.

“But our ambitions are not limited to what has already been achieved - the focus of the Investment Prospectus is firmly on the next phase of regeneration, enterprise and job creation.

“We have a proven track record as a forward-thinking, strategic facilitator for the area, and that is already giving major investors the confidence that they will find the support they need to thrive and grow their businesses in the economic heart of a vibrant Tees Valley city environment.

“Middlesbrough is well and truly open for business, and we and our partners are looking the future with considerable confidence and optimism.”

Developments featured in the Investment Prospectus include a £30 million snow centre at Middlehaven, a 450-bed student village linked to Teesside University, a brand new Media and Innovation Village and Grade A town centre office space.

New regeneration will transform more than 57 hectares of land, with the development of an estimated 1.7 million sq ft of new business accommodation.

Mayor Budd said: “Middlesbrough has embarked on an important new era which will draw on its rich heritage and drive it forward as a beacon of 21st Century ambition and prosperity.

“This Investment Prospectus clearly lays out the priorities which will enable us to become a major destination for visitors and investors alike.

“Over the coming months and years, we will attract cutting edge enterprise, accelerate forward-thinking regeneration and deliver the services a modern city demands.

“Above all these are realistic and deliverable transformations – many of them already well in train – and they will underpin Middlesbrough’s long-term future as the vibrant heart of the Tees Valley City Region.”

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →