Future Middlesbrough – a place strategy for young people

Middlesbrough’s Place Strategy is a long-term plan that sets out how the town will grow, develop and position itself in the years ahead. It outlines priorities for economic growth, digital innovation, housing, transport, culture and community wellbeing.

Young people are our leaders of the future and changemakers within our communities, making up a higher percentage of the population compared to the national average. They are rarely consulted in discussions which impact them. We want to hand back power to the young people of Middlesbrough, to inspire and connect them with opportunities to raise their future aspirations.

By developing this Place Strategy with them and for them, young people are more likely to engage with the opportunities we collectively provide, enabling them to be co-authors of the town’s future.

December 2030 marks 200 years since Middlesbrough was founded. The bicentenary is a moment to celebrate heritage, showcase creativity and deliver visible change that sets up the next century of growth.

We hope that businesses will benefit from increased footfall, a more vibrant town centre, higher visitor spend, improved local reputation, and a stronger talent pipeline from local schools, colleges and Teesside University.

Through investment opportunities, partnerships on events, skills programmes, sponsorship, youth engagement, offering placements or apprenticeships, and participating in place marketing campaigns. 

Yes. The strategy encourages joint programming, digital innovation pilots, shared workspaces, youth-led commissions, and creative business participation in festivals and events.

A more vibrant town centre, improved housing options, stronger cultural offer, and modern workspace choices make Middlesbrough more attractive for graduates and young professionals.

Find out more about Middlesbrough’s Employment Hub – a one-stop shop supporting people in the area into work and training.

This year, we will be publishing our investment prospectus, which will highlight all available capital investment opportunities. 

The council and partners can offer planning guidance, partnership opportunities, place promotion, as well as alignment with regional investment strategies.

The place strategy and investment prospectus focus on reactivating empty units through creative uses, meanwhile spaces, cultural programming and long-term redevelopment opportunities for vacant buildings.

Yes. Enhancements in transport, digital connectivity, public realm and place branding will increase investor confidence and strengthen market potential.

A central role. Cultural organisations will shape events, commissions, festivals, and creative programmes that animate the town and engage young people.

By improving connectivity, developing co-working and innovation hubs, growing the local talent pool, and positioning Middlesbrough as a creative digital destination.

These groups will help co-design aspiration programmes through focused audience engagement research, ensuring the place strategy reflects the needs and ideas of young people. They will be given the opportunity to engage in cultural participation, and youth-led initiatives.

Yes. Audience engagement and project co-design opportunities will allow young people to shape decisions and programming.

Through shared cultural experiences, multi-generational volunteering, inclusive events, accessible public spaces, and celebration of the town’s diverse communities.

Projected outcomes include growth in the visitor economy, increased digital and creative jobs, higher graduate retention rates, and more town centre living.

It provides a clear vision, strong partnerships, a growing young audience, targeted regeneration plans, and a unified place-brand message that enhances Middlesbrough’s profile.

Because the town is at a transformative moment, combining heritage, creative energy, digital strength and a major bicentenary milestone to unlock long-term opportunity and regeneration.