Attracting more people to live in our town centre is crucial to Middlesbrough’s future success.
Part of that puzzle is converting existing buildings into desirable apartments and work is now under way on a key renovation.
Church House, on the corner of Bedford Street and Linthorpe Road, is close to many of the town’s buzzing independent businesses.
The Council is supporting building owner Jomast with around £1.4m to create 85 apartments and reclad the entire building.
Church House, which was formerly an office block and in 2021 became home to the Beating Heart light installation, will be transformed into a mix of one and two-bedroom homes. Jomast is contributing significant investment to the redevelopment.
The ground floor will host new shop units and there will also be car parking and cycle spaces.
The Council’s contribution to the project comes from Middlesbrough’s share of the Government’s Future High Streets Fund.
Other schemes supported by Middlesbrough’s £14.1m allocation include the repurposing of Captain Cook Square into a leisure destination featuring family entertainment venues and new food and drink venues.
Getting the balance of our town centre right so it has an attractive mix of exciting things to do and modern places to live was central to our bid for the funding.
Work on Church House will continue into 2024.
Two North East commercial property specialists have been confirmed as joint agents for the latest phase of Middlesbrough’s prestigious office development.
Construction work on Six Centre Square is now finished and fit-out work is about to start in preparation for its first tenant, the insurance giant AXA UK.
AXA is taking up more than half the space in the four-storey 40,000 sq ft building for its 450 Teesside staff, but the 10,000 sq ft top floor and a 5,000 sq ft ground floor suite are still available for other occupiers.
The initial stage of the multi-million Centre Square project – which provided much-needed Grade A office space in Middlesbrough town centre – has proved a huge success. Over the last two years seven businesses, including GB Bank, Firstsource and the XPS Pension Group, have moved into One and Two Centre Square. Together they employ around 750 people.
Six Centre Square was built by developer Ashall Projects on behalf of the Tees Valley Mayor and Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA). Middlesbrough Council also contributed a £2m grant.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “Teesside is becoming a real magnet for professional services firms looking to grow or break new ground due to the fantastic facilities we’ve got to offer. “Given all our success in bringing major Government departments to Darlington, with more than 2,000 civil service jobs available, this investment in Six Centre Square is a no-brainer and offers even more evidence that young people can stay local and go far.”
Teesside-based Dodds Brown and APP Jackson & Partners from North Yorkshire have been commissioned by TVCA to find tenants for the remaining space.
“Centre Square is a game changer,” said Stephen Brown, Senior Partner with Dodds Brown. “It’s put Tees Valley in a position to compete when big employers look to re-locate – whether they’re already in the North East or from further afield. It means we’re both safeguarding jobs and bringing in new ones which is obviously great news for our local economy.
“For too long the Tees Valley missed out because there was a dearth of this quality space. Thankfully it now exists and, due also to the support of the Combined Authority and Middlesbrough Council, the tide is turning at last. But it is vital to ensure we don’t lose this momentum as we build a foundation for the future.”
David Jackson of Jackson Partners is confident that the same factors which have already attracted occupiers to the development will apply to 6 Centre Square. “It provides staff with the high quality working environment they expect, particularly following the pandemic,” he said. “There is loads of natural light and we have already seen elsewhere in Centre Square how businesses have been able to use the space to create the type of office you would normally associate with the head office of a blue chip company in London.
“For employers, the building offers numerous sustainable and energy-efficient features and for their staff there are also the benefits of being based in the centre of the town near all the shops and amenities and transport links.”
Plans are already well advanced for the next phase of the Centre Square development. Middlesbrough Council gave outline planning consent in 2021.
For further information about Centre Square opportunities contact Dodds Brown on 01642 244130 or e-mail Stephen Brown at s.brown@doddsbrown.co.uk
David Jackson is available on 01642 791390, 0759797 4607 or via david@jackson-partners.co.uk
A favourite Tyneside restaurant has announced its first new site as part of its plans to grow its brand, with a major scheme for Middlesbrough.
A proposal to transform the former Kalinka bar and nightclub at the corner of Exchange Square into The Muddler is due to be submitted in the near future.
And if approved, the venue – in part of Commerce House – will become a 100-seater pan-Asian restaurant and cocktail bar, with a private dining area in the domed space on the top floor.
The ambitious scheme for the Grade II listed building also includes an outside mezzanine level at the back, with additional seating facing onto Exchange Square.
It is hoped once planning and licensing applications are in place, that the venue will open in April 2023.
Newcastle’s The Muddler is one of the city’s most popular restaurants and occupies a prime location at Grey Street, opposite the Theatre Royal.
Its authentic and high quality dim sum, Asian style tapas and more substantial dishes have been a huge hit and it is hoped to replicate this winning formula in Middlesbrough.
Neill Winch, CEO of Danieli Group which owns The Muddler brand, believes it is a great move.
“When we saw the investment that has been made in Middlesbrough’s Historic Quarter and the real steps that have been taken to revitalise the area, we knew this was a great location for us,” said Neill.
“It fits perfectly with The Muddler brand and we hope that we will be something very different to the town in terms of both the food we offer and the high quality of the setting.
“We think Exchange Square is a great spot and hopefully our commitment will be a catalyst to encourage other good quality leisure operators into the area.”
Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston said: “Fantastic things are happening in Middlesbrough.
“We are winning investment, creating jobs and bringing new life and energy to the town.
“I’m really pleased to see this coming to the heart of our Historic Quarter and grateful to the people behind it for showing such confidence in Middlesbrough.
“I know that Teessiders and visitors to our area will love it.”
The Danieli Group is now currently looking at other sites across the region as part of its plans to expand into other locations.
Foreign direct investment (FDI) into the Northern Powerhouse has rocketed 72% in the last five years despite dropping across the rest of the UK, according to new analysis of fDi markets data by the Northern Powerhouse Partnership (NPP).
FDI into the North rose from $25.4bn between 2012-16 to $43.7bn between 2017-21. By contrast, FDI into Greater London dropped 23% over the same time period, from $43.4bn to $33.4bn.
Our new report ‘The Internationalisation of the Northern Powerhouse’ also found that the North increased its share of overall FDI into England, from 19% in 2012-16 to 33% in 2017-21.
This rise means that the region – which makes up roughly 28% of England’s population – is now punching above its weight and drawing in more inward investment on a per capita basis.
Data showed this growth is supporting employment opportunities in the region, with the number of jobs created in the North from inward investment rising from roughly 52,600 in 2012-16 to 62,100 in 2017-21 – an 18% uplift.
The rest of England saw a rise of just 1% over the same time period, while Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland all saw drops of -19%, -41% and -37% respectively.
Foreign investment into renewable energy in the North of England has increased from $6.95bn between 2012-16 to $20.25bn 2017-21 – a 193% rise – in a major win for the net zero transition.
Other industries which saw growth over the same period were electrical components (799%), chemicals (269%) and biotechnology (694%), reflecting Northern comparative advantages in sectors such as advanced manufacturing and materials.
Industrial sectors in the Northern Powerhouse receiving the greatest value of FDI 2012-21
The North’s success in attracting inward investment can be largely attributed to policies in George Osborne’s original Northern Powerhouse strategy, which saw a much bigger focus on promoting Northern projects to foreign investors, with the then-Chancellor leading trade delegations overseas, including to Asia, with Northern city leaders.
Greater Manchester has performed consistently well, with the North East and South Yorkshire seeing significant upsurges in recent years.
The North has seen a 7% growth in FDI from Asia over the past decade, while this dropped by 56% for the UK as a whole.
A skilled labour market was cited as the biggest driver for attracting investment, followed by proximity to markets or customers; domestic market growth; transport infrastructure; industry cluster and technology and innovation.
NPP is calling for central and regional government, alongside the private sector, to collaborate better and deliver a five-fold increase in investment to promote Northern projects overseas.
Metro mayors should be given the automatic ability to create at least one freeport or other investment-based enterprise zone, the report says, following the success of tax incentives in projects such as Teesworks in the North East.
Lord Jim O’Neill, vice-chair of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, said: “The mission to put the Northern Powerhouse on the world map has been a resounding success and a huge amount of credit should go to the genuine cross-party effort between central government and northern civic leaders to make this happen.
“We have been particularly successful in Asia – while the rest the UK has seen FDI from Asia plummet $28bn, 56%, over the last five years, it’s gone up 7% in the North. I often felt that the Northern Powerhouse concept was better understood by investors in Asia than it was among politicians and financiers in London.
“This is proof of the North’s economic potential, especially in innovative and green industries. If the rest of the world sees it, then our own government should be putting us front and centre of their growth strategy.”
Jonathan Reynolds, shadow business secretary, said: “There are fantastic industries and opportunities across the North of England but the Government are failing to make the most of the successful innovation that is happening here.
“This report is great news, but we must build on this success with long term consistent plans that businesses can invest alongside. Labour’s Industrial Strategy will support investment, innovation and offer the certainty northern business needs to prosper.”
Jessica Bowles, Strategy Director at Bruntwood, said: “These latest figures may come as a surprise to many, but not to those of us in the North who are witnessing first hand the rapid pace of change and innovation here. The North is full of entrepreneurial people, fast-growing companies and revolutionary ideas, so it is exciting to see the global investment market respond to this and commit to the regions here.
“But we’re ambitious, and we don’t want to stop here. We will continue to collaborate with private sector partners and local and regional governments to ensure the North is being showcased on the world-stage to encourage further investment and the subsequent growth of our regional ecosystems.”
Time is running out for developers to put their hat in the ring for an exciting opportunity at the heart of Middlesbrough.
Middlesbrough Council is gearing up to leave its headquarters of more than fifty years and the Civic Centre complex is ripe for redevelopment.
The site has already attracted considerable interest, with a deadline for proposals set at noon this Friday (September 30).
The authority will move across Centre Square to Fountain Court before the end of the year.
The move follows a decision taken in 2017 as part of an ongoing drive to reduce property costs while moving to more efficient ways of working.
The current Civic Centre building – which adjoins the Victorian Town Hall on the northern side of Centre Square – was built in the mid-1960s and has been the Council’s main administrative hub for more than five decades.
Staff will be moving out of the Civic Centre later this year when the refurbishment of new office is complete.
Expressions of interest are therefore now being sought from those who are interested in the site which occupies a prime location between the historic Town Hall and the Combined Court Centre and opposite MIMA.
All potential uses would be subject to appropriate planning approvals but offices, leisure and culture are anticipated potential uses.
Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston said: “Exciting things are happening in Middlesbrough, but the best is yet to come.
“There’s been major investment in the town centre from the refurbishment of the Town Hall, the ongoing transformation to create leisure venues at Captain Cook Square through to the development of brand new Grade A offices in Centre Square.
“The Civic Centre occupies a prime site in the heart of Middlesbrough and it represents an amazing opportunity for the right developer.
“It will be great to see the site bring even more jobs in to the centre of town, boosting local shops and businesses and driving prosperity.”
- Interested parties are now being invited to come forward with proposed uses for the site – the closing date is noon on Friday, September 30.
Anyone interest is asked to contact Principal Valuer Elizabeth Green by email at elizabeth_green@middlesbrough.gov.uk or visit the Council’s website for more details: Council land and premises for sale | Middlesbrough Council.
A trio of trailblazing businesses have relocated to Albert North to accommodate their future growth.
Wander, Techquity and Aero Commerce have made the move to the vibrant business community in Middlesbrough’s historic quarter to accommodate their future growth.
Award-winning full-service video marketing company Wander Films are totally stoked to have relocated into their new home. Since it launched five years ago the company has gone from strength-to-strength.
Founders Chloe Clover and Lou Tonner had been travelling the world when they were first inspired to create videos for tourism businesses. But they both knew that if they wanted the company to grow into something special, they needed to relocate and establish themselves back home in Teesside.
Initially working from a bedroom at home, they quickly became established and took space within Teesside University before moving into Boho Five.
“Our growth has been phenomenal,” said Chloe. “We went from one room in Boho Five to taking over a whole floor, and having recruited 16 staff; we realised our existing space no longer met our needs, so we started searching for a new one”.
Staying in Middlesbrough was a crucial part of the search process. “It’s home to us, we’re passionate about retaining local talent, and we want to prove that you can be successful here”, added Chloe.
Chloe and Lou were already aware of Albert North’s growing digital and creative community, having seen numerous high-profile businesses like Big Bite, Sock Monkey, Mabo, Appamondo and Salesfire relocate here.
“It’s a really exciting place to be, and we wanted to be part of that,” said Lou.
“We need a location with good accessibility and a space big enough to grow, and Jomast really helped us navigate the different types of office space available at Albert North and find a place that worked perfectly for us”.
Wander Films talent for creating high impact engaging videos and helping businesses to #BeatTheScroll™ has seen them build an impressive portfolio of national and international clients. Their new ground floor office at 23/25 Albert Road provides 3,500 sq ft, and it has been designed to Wander Films exact specification by leading interior design specialists Cocoon & Bauer.
“We’ve got our own, dedicated space exactly how we want it; we are bang in the centre of town, which was important to us, and we’re only a short walk to the rail station; it’s mint”, added Chloe.
Two other companies that have also relocated to Albert North to accommodate their growth are ecommerce agency Techquity and ecommerce platform Aero Commerce, which, together, have taken over the entire first floor of 28/32 Albert Road. Both were already based in the town but had rapidly expanded and outgrown their premises.
Richard Bendelow, Director of Techquity and Aero Commerce, said: “Being able to take an entire floor in Albert North meant we could design the space to our own specification.
“When we were looking for a new home to accommodate our ambitious growth plans, Albert North appealed to us as it provided everything we needed now and could accommodate our future growth needs”.
Mark Hill, commercial property director at Jomast, said: “Wander, Techquity and Aero Commerce are fantastic additions to the Albert North community.
“We reinvented Albert North to specifically attract ambitious digital and creative businesses, and it has fast become an established cluster.
“We’re passionate about creating better places for people to work, our fit-outs are second to none, and we can provide businesses with a bespoke design service”.
As well as promoting the five remaining floors at 28/32 Albert Road, Jomast’s attention is also focused on attracting smaller independents and food and beverage operators to the available ground floor units.
“We already have Pie Jackers, Alkaline Kitchen, King B, Salon Twenty-One and Derma Advanced Aesthetics at Albert North, and we would like to add more service operators such as independent retailers, cafes, bars and restaurants”, added Mark.
The rebirth of the town’s historic quarter has gone from strength to strength since Albert Road was transformed by Jomast into Albert North. With support from Middlesbrough Council, the area has benefited from significant regeneration with many of the town’s iconic buildings renovated to expand the digital cluster and create a bustling commercial district.
Anyone interested in leasing units should contact Jomast directly on 01642 666 936 or visit the Albert North website.
Transforming Captain Cook Square into a regional leisure destination takes another step closer this week as major public realm works get underway.
Middlesbrough Council is spearheading multi-million pound plans to bring a host of leisure and entertainment venues to the outdoor shopping centre, and has announced that North East based Esh Construction will carry out the work as part of the £1.5m upgrade.
Opening this summer will be two brand new, large scale entertainment venues – Level X, a bowling alley and go-karting venue and The Wired Lobby, an esports and gaming arena, which have taken over the former TJ Hughes and Peacocks stores respectively.
And from this week, work will begin to remodel the square with new lighting, seating and artwork and open it up to more public events.
The work will include:
- Jet washing and repainting exterior walls, which will begin later this week and last for five weeks. After consultation with tenants, disruption will be kept to a minimum.
- Upgraded new seating and street furniture will be installed and lighting fixtures will be replaced – including new lights criss-crossed overhead between buildings, to create a similar night-time effect as on Baker and Bedford Streets.
- The façade of the bus station facing into Captain Cook Square will be transformed with new cladding and lighting.
- Local artists will contribute to a new mural in the tunnel between the square and the multi-storey car park, which will be further enhanced with LED lighting.
- The car park itself will open later for those using leisure facilities into the night.
- Gates will be installed at the Grange Road side of the development, after consultation with ward councillors, which will be locked at night to encourage those visiting leisure attractions to exit Captain Cook Square by Linthorpe Road or Newport Road.
The council took over Captain Cook Square and the House of Fraser building in 2020, and followed it up with the purchase of the Cleveland Centre last year.
Historically, the town centre has been over-reliant on retail but the aim is to rebalance the economy by bringing more businesses and attract thousands more people to come and live in the centre.
The plans for Captain Cook Square formed part of a successful funding bif to the Future High Streets Fund.
Mayor of Middlesbrough Andy Preston said: “It’s great to see progress on the project, which will be fantastic for our town centre.
“This work will help transform Captain Cook Square. Our strategy to regenerate the town centre is to get more people living and working here, and attracting the best leisure attractions around is one of the best ways to do that.
“We’ve stepped in and we’re making amazing things happen. And there are so many more exciting things to come.”
Steven Garrigan, Divisional Director at Esh Construction, said: “As a North East contractor, we are delighted to be bringing our expertise to this public realm project which is key in the transformation plans for Captain Cook Square.
“The installation of new lighting and street furniture, along with a decoration and upgrade works to the shop facades and bus station will provide a glimpse into the future of this upcoming leisure destination.”
The redevelopment of Middlesbrough’s railway station has taken another huge step forward today (19 May) as preparation work began on the second phase of the scheme.
Scaffolding is now being erected to revitalise the disused and dilapidated undercroft at the station which will begin in days, ahead of the installation of a new steel frame to create a modern new entrance and revamped ticket hall building.
Following planning approval, this second phase of the scheme will see the current ticket hall stairs removed, new staircase built off the central thoroughfare, open public space at the east end of the former car park plus a new pedestrian walkway created between Zetland Road at the south of the station and the existing subway.
The first phase of works, supported by £22.5m from the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority, was completed in December last year. It saw one of the station’s platforms extended by 75 metres to accommodate the new LNER Azuma direct service to London, the town’s first service to the capital in more than 30 years.
The news came as Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen and Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston announced they were establishing a Middlesbrough Development Corporation to reshape the town centre and its key assets, including the station. This will make the streets safer and cleaner and capitalise on the recent £106million of investment in the centre.
Mayor Houchen said: “For too long Middlesbrough station has been constrained and in desperate need of an overhaul to make it a 21st century station that projects a modern, forward-looking image that local people can be proud of.
“The time for talk is over, now it’s time for action and, after reconnecting Middlesbrough with the capital last December, we’re breathing new life into the very fabric of the station. Enhanced access, redeveloped buildings and new office and retail space will make it even better for local people and visitors alike.
“This will play a vital part in our transformative Middlesbrough Development Corporation vision for the centre as a whole. We’re developing a welcoming gateway to safer, cleaner streets as we supercharge the great assets we’ve been investing in, putting place at the heart of our regeneration.”
The station also forms part of the TransPennine Express route from Manchester Airport into the region which, on Monday, was extended to serve Saltburn following a two-year campaign by Mayor Houchen.
Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston said: “Our beautiful railway station is the focal point of Middlesbrough’s Historic Quarter, and it’s going to play a massive role in our future.
“For too long it’s been left to decay, so today marks the beginning of new era that will see it fulfil its true potential as the gateway to our town, whilst protecting its heritage.
“We’re making huge strides forward, and this is yet more vital investment that shows the scale and scope of our ambition.”
Matt Rice, Route Director for Network Rail, said: “It’s always a thrill to see projects like this one at Middlesbrough start to come to life, and we’re delighted to be able to support our stakeholders in Middlesbrough with their aspirations to develop the station.”
Ash Widdop, Project Manager for Story Contracting, said: “We’re delighted to have been chosen to deliver the vital upgrade of Middlesbrough Station, on behalf of Network Rail, TVCA and Middlesbrough Council.
Ash added: “In addition to the benefits the upgrades will bring, we are also committed to supporting the local community which the station serves.
“Since we began phase one of the scheme back in 2020, with our partners we have put over £3million worth of social value back into Middlesbrough, through investing in the town’s next generation of skilled workers, to supporting community groups and charities.”
Middlesbrough’s prestigious Centre Square development is supporting the careers of thousands of people, including those who are building it.
Around 1,000 office staff will soon be working in the project’s first two buildings. In 2023 they will be joined by 450 employees of AXA UK who will be moving into the next building – Six Centre Square – which is already taking shape.
Further ahead, a future phase of the development is expected to accommodate another 1,000 workers.
Six Centre Square is being built by Bowmer+Kirkland (B+K), which has a North East base near Sunderland. A dozen sub-contractors, who are located within 50 miles of the construction site are also working on the project. Their contracts are worth more than £4.8m.
Twenty-three-year Danielle Blakey from Hartlepool started working for B+K when building work began in Centre Square in 2018.
She is a Trainee Quantity Surveyor and, in addition to her job, is in the final year of her Quantity Surveying degree course at Northumbria University in Newcastle. Danielle is also studying for a professional qualification.
“I would describe the quantity surveyor as the lawyer and banker on a job. I deal with the contracts and the money,” she said.
Danielle was studying Construction and the Built Environment at Hartlepool College of Further Education when B+K visited on a recruitment drive. Five students were selected for interview and Danielle got the job.
In October at an awards ceremony run by Generation for Change – the young professional voice of the UK built environment industry – Danielle was highly commended in the Trainee of the Year category.
She is an active member of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), which aims to inspire young women to consider careers in construction, and visits schools and colleges to talk about her job.
Danielle mentors students – helping them write their CVs and prepare for interviews – and at Middlesbrough College took part in a panel discussion about stereotyping in the male-dominated construction industry where last year only around 15% of more than two million workers were women.
“I would recommend construction to anyone. There are so many opportunities for people – for both men and women,” she said. “I’ve met really nice people and been fortunate to work on some great jobs. Until you work in the industry I don’t think you can fully appreciate what goes into a project like this.”
As well as working on the three Centre Square buildings to date, Danielle was also part of the B+K team which built the new civic centre in Sunderland. “There’s a fantastic feeling of pride and achievement to know that you played a part in creating such great buildings,” she said.
B+K’s North East and Scotland Regional Director Ed Besford said Danielle is a major asset for the company because of the quality of her work and the example she sets.
“Danielle has only been with us a relatively short time but is already playing a key role in a major project. She is also a great ambassador for both our business and the construction industry as a whole,” he said.
The Centre Square developer Mark Ashall, of Ashall Projects, said the scheme will continue to have a far-reaching impact on jobs and the local economy, generating an estimated £120m every year.
“It means young people like Danielle get their first step on the career ladder and companies such as XPS – one of the first Centre Square occupiers – has the space to grow its business and take on more people.
“All the while those building Centre Square and the people who already work in the offices are using nearby shops, cafes, restaurants and bars and that trade is only going to grow as more companies move here.”
Six Centre Square is on schedule to be finished next year and a further phase of the development has already been given outline planning permission by Middlesbrough Council.
Contracts have been signed to deliver the next stage of the multi-million pound regeneration of Middlesbrough as a regional centre for business.
Developer Ashall Projects will build a four-storey 40,000 sq ft Grade A office building on a vacant site near Melrose Street.
It has been confirmed that insurance company AXA UK will move more than 450 staff there from its operations in the Tees Valley.
The new building – Six Centre Square – is being funded and bought by the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority. Middlesbrough Council is also contributing a £2m grant to the project from of its Towns Fund allocation which was provided by the government as part of the levelling up programme.
Construction will start in early 2022 and the building is scheduled to be completed in the first quarter of 2023.
This is the latest phase in the Centre Square project which has already seen major employers, such as Firstsource, XPS and Causeway, bring around 1,000 existing and new staff into the first two buildings which – with further announcements imminent – will soon be nearly fully occupied.
Mark Ashall, director of Ashall Projects, said the go-ahead for Six Centre Square resulted from the strength of the partnership between the public and private sectors and their shared vision for the future of Middlesbrough.
“For many years the centre of Middlesbrough has not had the Grade A office space needed to attract employers offering attractive and well-paid office jobs. Centre Square has changed that and we will also see local businesses – shops, restaurants, bars and gyms – benefit from this influx of people with real spending power.”
He added: “This is the next stage in the development of Middlesbrough as a professional services hub providing easy access for businesses serving both Teesworks, the nearby Central Government hub as well as the wider area.
“It is another game-changer alongside the launch of direct train services between Middlesbrough and London and the council’s bid for city status.”
Anna Fleming, chief operating officer at AXA UK Retail Insurance, said Six Centre Square will provide the insurer with an ideal base for its growing workforce as the company continues to recruit throughout 2022.
“We’re delighted to confirm our move to this great new building in the middle of Middlesbrough town centre,” she said.
“Relocating to Six Centre Square means we can provide a better working environment for staff by offering greater flexibility and a range of wellbeing solutions in a building which will lead the way in energy efficiency and sustainability. We’re proud to continue showing our support and commitment to Middlesbrough and its ongoing regeneration.”
Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston said: “It’s another positive step forward – one of many.
“It’s great to be working with Ashall Projects, bringing really high-quality employers into the centre of Middlesbrough and this will be a further catalyst for more jobs and more opportunities.”
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “I’m delighted AXA have confirmed they will be moving into Six Centre Square when it is complete, the move will mean they grow further and create more well-paid jobs for local people.
“Our region is known the world over for our engineering, chemical and processing skills, but we also have a fantastic workforce when it comes to professional services.
“This is just the latest development we’re backing to show businesses that, whatever their needs, they can do it here and don’t have to go to a city Newcastle, Leeds or Manchester.
“This will help them play a part in our region’s success and bring more people to our town centres, supporting brilliant local businesses and boosting regeneration for the good of everyone.”
In July the council’s Planning and Development Committee approved an outline plan for three further Centre Square buildings which will provide space for another 1,000 office staff.
Committee members were told that it was originally estimated that the whole Centre Square project would provide an additional annual boost of £92.4m to the local economy. That has now been revised to more than £120m.
