CGIs reveal Wilton Centre owner’s plans for “major” Teesside Freeport development

The owner of the Wilton Centre is working on major plans to build manufacturing space, laboratories and offices on land inside the nearby Teesside Freeport.

Five buildings would allow room for established businesses to grow and accommodate around 500 staff. Another 100 would work in a separate incubator hub offering “plug and play” laboratories as well as offices for startups.

There would be around 180,000 sq ft of new space, with both the buildings and landscaping meeting the highest sustainable and environmental standards. The Wilton Centre’s owner, Pioneer Group, believes the new development would be “particularly appealing” for companies working in the biopharmaceutical and circular economy sectors.

Pioneer Group director Jeroen Houtzager said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to build upon the exciting ecosystem of innovative businesses based at Wilton Centre. The expansion would provide additional space for our existing occupiers, whilst the substantial tax benefits of the Freeport would help attract businesses from across the UK.

“Together they will enhance Teesside’s deep talent pool which is already recognised worldwide for its work in high value manufacturing, focused on renewable materials and biopharmaceuticals.”

As well as the Wilton Centre there are another nine sites across the UK and Ireland in Pioneer’s portfolio. It helps high-tech businesses “thrive” by supporting them with serviced accommodation, facilities and venture building activity. Last year Pioneer Group invested £2m in a major refurbishment at the Wilton Centre.

Teesside based Logic Architecture has been commissioned to design the new centre. Its managing director, Mark Barlow, commented: “The companies based there would be engaged in cutting edge research, development and manufacturing processes using the latest technologies.

“Their surroundings, the buildings and the landscaping, must create the appropriate environment to reflect this and allow them to flourish.”

Logic created the award-winning TeesAMP business park in Middlesbrough and the Wilton Centre project would have a similar modular design. Mark continued: “One size doesn’t necessarily fit all. We are providing a range of size units but they can be easily adapted to fit a company’s needs.”

By Matthew Neville – Correspondent, Bdaily

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