Insurance ‘giant’ moves into new North East office, supporting over 500 jobs

An insurance giant has officially moved into a brand-new office in the heart of Middlesbrough.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony with Middlesbrough Mayor and Tees Valley Combined Authority Cabinet Member Chris Cooke marked AXA UK moving into Six Centre Square on Thursday. The firm is taking up more than half the space in the 40,000 sq ft building, hosting more than 500 of its Teesside staff.

Both this scheme and the wider Centre Square vision will play an important role in the future of Middlesbrough town centre. The keys for the cutting-edge Grade A office space, built by developer Ashall Projects, were handed over to the Tees Valley Combined Authority and Tees Valley Mayor in February.

The TVCA has put £9.7m into the four-storey block while Middlesbrough Council contributed £2m of its £21.9m Towns Fund allocation from Central Government to the project.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen commented: “Companies with ambition to grow or break new ground are now choosing Teesside as they’re sitting up and seeing the facilities we have to offer. It shows businesses they can do it here and don’t have to go to a city like Newcastle, Leeds or Manchester.

“Given all our success in bringing major Government departments and thousands of civil service jobs to Darlington, our investment in Six Centre Square made perfect sense and ensured a major employer stayed in the heart of Middlesbrough.

“Right across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool we’re opening the door to allow our younger people to forge paths to careers on our doorstep. Creating world-class offices like this is key to unlocking that vision and our Development Corporation in the town will play a vital role in fostering an environment where companies can thrive.”

Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke, who is also a member of the Tees Valley Combined Authority Cabinet, added: “Centre Square has become a focal point for business on Teesside, and I’m delighted that companies like AXA recognise its long-term potential.

“The town centre is Middlesbrough’s engine room, and developments like this are helping to drive prosperity and create high quality skilled jobs for local people.”

Anna Fleming, chief operating officer at AXA UK Retail Insurance, said: “Relocating to Six Centre Square offers a range of benefits for our business and our people. The move shows our continued support and commitment to Middlesbrough and its ongoing regeneration.”

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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