Ben Houchen kicks off major plan to atract millions in investment to Gresham

The Tees Valley Mayor, Ben Houchen, is pleased to announce the launch of the Middlesbrough Development Corporation’s first procurement process - to regenerate Gresham, a derelict brownfield site in the heart of Middlesbrough town centre.

This marks the first major project of many that will transform the town, creating jobs and opportunities for local businesses and it focuses on a site that has been left empty for decades.

In launching the Middlesbrough Development Corporation the Mayor has committed to the regeneration of the town and improving the lives of the people who call it home. Gresham is a key site that has been left derelict for too long, and this process now sets the clock ticking and will provide the necessary boost to get it back on its feet.

The Mayor is calling on local investors and businesses to join MDC in this venture and be part of the transformation of Middlesbrough.

Tees Valley Mayor, Ben Houchen, said “We are excited to launch this plan to bring Gresham back to life. When I launched the MDC I promised that we wouldn’t hang around and we’d get on and deliver real change and improvements to the town.

“This is just the start and is a major opportunity for the town, and we are confident that with the support of local investors and businesses, we can create something special that will generate jobs, encourage investment, bring more people to the town and transform the area.

“I’ve always been proud of my record of delivery, and this project will be no exception. Real projects, a real difference to the town and a real difference to people’s lives.

“Had the Labour Party got their way and managed to block the MDC and this £18m investment in Middlesbrough, Gresham would sit derelict and as an eyesore for years to come, damaging the local economy and depriving the people of Middlesbrough a community we can be proud of. I urge people not to forget what they tried to do.

“As a Mayor with a record of delivery, I am committed to bringing investment and regeneration to our town, and I will not let political posturing stand in the way of progress. I will continue to fight for the people of Middlesbrough and ensure that we have the investment and opportunities we need to thrive.

“But this isn’t the end of it, shortly we’ll be announcing more projects and investment in the town, so watch this space!”

Andy Preston, the Mayor of Middlesbrough said: “This is just the beginning of staggering transformation. Middlesbrough is on the most amazing upward trajectory and exciting things are happening fast. This part of central Middlesbrough has been overlooked and abused by dodgy politics and lazy politicians – that’s ended now.”

By Mark Adair – Correspondent, Bdaily

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