THE next stage of the redevelopment of a North-East town centre has taken a step forward with the announcement of a developer for a key site.

Terrace Hill has been chosen to develop proposals for Middlesbrough's Central Garden East site next to MIMA and the Bottle of Notes installation.

The firm is looking at building a 100-bed four-star hotel, restaurant and offices.

Work will now start on the development of detailed plans for the site, which will be then subject to consultation.

Councillor David Budd, executive member for regeneration at Middlesbrough Council, said: "MIMA and the new Middlesbrough Centre Square have brought home what an important part of the town centre this area is.

"They have brought new life into central Middlesbrough and created a fantastic environment that is illustrating the ambition of the town.

"We now have to follow that up - as we have always intended - by improving the area between MIMA and the combined law courts.

"We will be working with the developers to ensure that the uses that the site is put to enhance the vitality of the town centre and are every bit as good as MIMA in terms of their design.

"I have to stress that choosing the developers is really only the start of the process and what follows will determine what new facilities and attractions go on this site.

"At every stage we will consult town centre businesses and, most importantly, the people living around the site.

"We will make sure they know what is proposed and how it will affect them. They have to benefit from a better local environment and more attractive town centre."

Millions of pounds has been invested in the town centre and the Middlehaven site in the town, with Terrace Hill being strategically involved in the projects.

Martin Vickerman, director of Terrace Hill, said: "We are delighted to be continuing our long-standing commitment to the regeneration of the Tees Valley and view this as an exciting opportunity to work in partnership with Middlesbrough Council and the people of Middlesbrough to deliver a new commercial core to the heart of the town centre."