Progress on a key regeneration initiative will be considered by Middlesbrough Council next week.
Ambitious plans for 21st Century office accommodation at the heart of the town will create jobs, boost the economy and drive further external investment.
The development is proposed for the eastern edge of Centre Square – one of the largest public open spaces of its kind in the country and a symbol of Middlesbrough’s resurgence in recent years.
The mix of Grade A office accommodation and leisure use including bars and restaurants will rub shoulders with the square’s internationally renowned art gallery and new Holiday Inn Express.
Middlesbrough Council has worked closely with developers Ashall Projects to create a flagship scheme that will attract high end employers to around 210,000 sq ft of modern office space in a prime location.
Negotiations are currently ongoing with potential occupiers, with the overall development ultimately accommodating up to 1,500 employees and generating an estimated £1 million in business rates per year.
The offices will be delivered in phases, with full planning permission in place for the first stage, and outline permission secured for the second.
Councillor Charlie Rooney, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for City Centre Strategy, said: “These proposals are fully in line with our city centre masterplan, both in addressing our lack of premium office accommodation and driving Middlesbrough forward as the business and leisure heart of the Tees Valley.
“We know the demand is there, and this development will create the highest quality office destination between Leeds and Newcastle.
“This location has a key role to play in fulfilling Centre Square’s potential as a destination with the capacity to attract investment and jobs, and drive forward future development and regeneration.”
• An update on the proposals for Centre Square will be considered at a meeting of Middlesbrough Council’s Executive on Tuesday, December 19.
