THE latest addition to Middlesbrough’s thriving digital sector has been given the Ministerial seal of approval this week.
The state-of-the-art £4 million Boho Five building at the heart of one of the region’s key regeneration sites is set to become a focal point for digital and creative businesses.
Minister for the Northern Powerhouse and Stockton South MP James Wharton formally launched the striking new building at a ceremony on Wednesday (August 26).
He was joined at the event by invited guests including Middlesbrough MP Andy McDonald, the town’s elected Mayor Dave Budd and representatives from the local business community.
The six-floor Boho Five business unit – the latest addition to the town’s Boho Zone – has been developed in partnership by the Homes and Communities Agency and Middlesbrough Council through European Regional Development Fund and HCA investment.
Working closely with DigitalCity Business, Boho Five will build on the success of the nearby Boho One, with tenants set to benefit from expert advice, mentoring and sector support.
Designed by award-winning firm Xsite Architecture and situated on the corner of Bridge Street East and Windward Way, the building’s striking black and orange exterior follows the iconic, colourful and modern Middlehaven theme.
At over 24,000 sq. ft the building will offer office accommodation for up to 50 small and medium sized enterprises in the digital and creative sector. With this in mind a variety of office sizes have been created ranging from 100 – 1000 sq. ft.
Aimed at new and growing businesses in the sector, Boho Five will provide:
Informal space for pre-start companies and potential entrepreneurs exploring business ideas
Fast start incubation space for companies starting up or progressing from being home-based
Flexible space to accommodate the rapid growth phases of developing companies
Project spaces for use by companies requiring short term capacity
Middlesbrough Mayor Dave Budd said: “Middlesbrough is at the forefront of this region’s flourishing digital and creative economy, and the launch of this striking building is a key step on that journey.
“Boho Five will offer high-tech start-ups and potential entrepreneurs the perfect setting in which to get their businesses off the ground and equip them with everything they need to succeed in this dynamic and fast-moving sector.
“Today’s event marks yet another important milestone in the regeneration of Middlehaven, and symbolises the growing confidence Middlesbrough has for the future.”
James Wharton, Minister for Local Growth and the Northern Powerhouse said: “Teesside has a major role to play in the success of the Northern Powerhouse and Boho Five is showing just how much is happening on the ground.
“It is local projects like this that are delivering the reality of the Northern Powerhouse right across this region.
“It highlights just how powerful close cooperation between the private sector, councils and Enterprise Zones can be, and I am really pleased to see such a high quality development that is already encouraging entrepreneurs, driving growth and creating jobs.”
Naz Parkar, HCA Executive Director for the North East and Yorkshire, added: “We are delighted to have worked with Middlesbrough Council to deliver this state of the art facility which will support the development of digital and creative businesses in town and further progress the regeneration of Middlehaven.”
Businesses interested in relocating to Boho Five can visit www.dcbusiness.eu/location/boho-five, telephone 01642 224706 or email bohofive@icloud.com to arrange a viewing.