PLANS have been unveiled this week for the next phase of one of the region’s key regeneration areas.
Middlesbrough’s Centre Square has played a major role in the town’s development over the last decade, and is now home to an internationally renowned art gallery and a new hotel.
The square is also one of the biggest public open spaces of its kind in the country, regularly playing host to major events including this year’s final stage of the Tour de Yorkshire.
Now proposals are being put forward to develop the square’s eastern end with a mix of state-of- the-art office accommodation and leisure use including bars and restaurants.
Middlesbrough Council is looking to work with Ashall projects – the company behind the successful Holiday Inn Express development – to create premium office space for up to 1,500 employees.
It is estimated the development would also generate around £1 million in business rates per year, while helping to attract new business and investmentto the town.
The proposals would see the demolition of the former Register Office – between the Civic and Combined Court Centres – which closed last year.
Included within the outline plans is the opportunity to relocate, reconfigure or enhance the existing pond feature.
Councillor Charlie Rooney, Middlesbrough Deputy Mayor and Executive Member for Regeneration, said: “The development of mima, the Holiday Inn Express and nearby Baker and Bedford Streets have seen Centre Square develop both as one of the town’s key focal points and as an events space of local and regional importance.
“We currently have a severe lack of premium town centre office accommodation, and that is something we have to address if we are to attract the businesses and employers that will really help to take the town forward as the city heart of the Tees Valley.
“These proposals have huge potential to generate investment and jobs, and to create a firm foundation for future development and regeneration.”
The new proposals for Centre Square will be considered at a meeting of Middlesbrough Council’s Executive on Tuesday, September 6.