Teesside, a region historically associated with heavy industry and manufacturing, has experienced significant changes in 2024. These changes have shaped its population, environment, industry, housing, job market, and transport infrastructure. As a key hub in the North East of England, Teesside is balancing economic regeneration with ongoing social and environmental challenges. This article will explore the key changes in Teesside in 2024, backed by recent data.
Population and Demographic Changes
Teesside’s population, including the towns of Middlesbrough, Stockton-on-Tees, and Redcar, has remained relatively stable, hovering around 675,000 in 2024
. While there hasn’t been significant growth in overall numbers, there have been demographic shifts. The region is attracting younger families and professionals, particularly in new housing developments and areas experiencing regeneration. However, some parts of Teesside, particularly in Middlesbrough, continue to face social deprivation, with pockets of the population affected by unemployment and lower-income levels
.
Environmental Initiatives
Teesside has positioned itself as a leader in green industrial revolution efforts. One of the most significant environmental projects in 2024 is the Teesworks development, which is the largest industrial regeneration site in the UK. The project focuses on green energy production, carbon capture and storage, and hydrogen power. Teesside aims to be a major hub for decarbonization, contributing to the UK’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050
.
Despite these advances, Teesside continues to struggle with legacy pollution from its industrial past, particularly in areas near former steelworks and chemical plants. The region is actively working on cleanup projects, but the environmental toll of decades of industrial activity remains a challenge
.
Industry and Economic Shifts
Teesside’s economy in 2024 is characterized by a significant shift towards green industries, with investments in renewable energy and sustainable manufacturing. The Teesworks project, alongside the development of offshore wind farms and hydrogen energy projects, is reshaping the economic landscape. These initiatives are not only helping to reduce the region’s carbon footprint but are also creating thousands of new jobs
.
However, traditional industries, including chemical manufacturing and shipping, still play a crucial role in the local economy. The Port of Tees remains one of the largest ports in the UK, providing jobs and driving trade. Teesside’s growing reputation as a center for advanced manufacturing and technology is attracting investment, but economic inequalities persist, with some areas experiencing high levels of unemployment
.
Housing Market
The housing market in Teesside has remained relatively affordable compared to other parts of the UK, though prices have increased slightly over the past year. As of 2024, the average house price in Teesside is around £170,000, well below the national average of £274,000
. This affordability makes the region attractive to first-time buyers and families moving from more expensive areas like London or the South East.
New housing developments, particularly around Stockton-on-Tees and Redcar, have contributed to this growth. However, some areas in Middlesbrough are still facing challenges with derelict properties and a lack of investment in housing infrastructure
. There is an ongoing push by local authorities to improve the availability of affordable housing and modernize the housing stock in the region.
Job Market and Employment
The job market in Teesside has seen positive developments in 2024, particularly in the green energy and advanced manufacturing sectors. The Teesworks project alone is expected to create 20,000 new jobs by 2025, providing employment opportunities in construction, engineering, and clean energy
. Additionally, the growth of the digital and technology sectors in the region has created new opportunities for skilled workers.
However, Teesside still faces challenges with unemployment, particularly in post-industrial areas where traditional jobs in steelmaking and heavy manufacturing have disappeared. The region’s unemployment rate remains above the national average, at approximately 6.2%
. To address this, local authorities are investing in retraining programs aimed at helping workers transition into new industries.
Transport Infrastructure
Transport infrastructure in Teesside has seen improvements in 2024, with a focus on better connectivity between Teesside and other parts of the North East. The reopening of the Tees Valley rail line, part of the wider Northern Powerhouse Rail project, has improved transport links between Middlesbrough, Darlington, and Newcastle, making commuting easier for residents
.
In addition to rail upgrades, there have been investments in road infrastructure, particularly around the Teesworks site, to support the growing industrial activity. However, public transport within Teesside itself remains a challenge, with calls for more frequent bus services and better connectivity between the various towns and industrial zones
.
External Impacts and Challenges
Teesside has been significantly impacted by broader national trends, particularly the rising cost of living and the energy crisis. While the region is positioning itself as a hub for renewable energy, the economic benefits of these projects are still unfolding. Inflation and energy costs have strained household budgets, particularly in lower-income areas
.
Brexit has had mixed effects on Teesside. On one hand, the Port of Tees has seen increased activity due to new trade routes, but some industries, particularly those reliant on European supply chains, have faced challenges
. Additionally, Teesside’s reliance on international investment means that the region remains vulnerable to changes in global trade dynamics.
Conclusion
Teesside in 2024 is a region on the cusp of transformation. With major investments in green energy and industrial regeneration, the region is emerging as a leader in the UK’s green industrial revolution. However, Teesside continues to face social and economic challenges, particularly in areas affected by industrial decline. Ensuring that the benefits of new industries are felt across the region will be key to Teesside’s continued growth and success.
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