A MIDDLESBROUGH MP has backed development of the Snow Centre.

Andy McDonald, MP for Middlesbrough, said: “Quite rightly the focus of everyone has to be on preventing the spread of Covid and getting through the forthcoming lockdown. We do however have to think about our economy as we hopefully emerge from the restrictions of the pandemic. I am very surprised and disappointed to hear Andy Preston say that Middlesbrough Council should not support the Snow Centre and associated retail and leisure facilities.

"I have met with the developers, Subzero, and it is clear that this is a shovel-ready project that would be transformational for Middlesbrough, showing ambition and aspiration. It would reap benefits, not only for our town, but the whole of the Tees Valley and beyond. Operators for the Snow Centre are signed up and the scheme will deliver a guaranteed income of £3m per year.

"I cannot comprehend why the Mayor of Middlesbrough will not support a project that will create 12,000 jobs and provide wonderful apprenticeship opportunities for students at Middlesbrough College, equipping them with skills for life. I know that Ben Houchen as Tees Valley Mayor is really keen to get this project up and running and that the Combined Authority is committed to investing significant funds to help deliver this. We need Andy Preston to step up and commit to this too or we will miss out on this golden opportunity and it will happen somewhere else in the North East.

"While Covid is rightly dominating our immediate lives, we must also look to the future and look at how we can create job opportunities, bring in inward investment and develop ways to boost economic spend in the town. The Snow Centre can play an integral role in that and the wider regeneration of Middlesbrough.”

Tees Valley mayor, Ben Houchen, said: "I’ve been working with Andy Preston and Middlesbrough council on this project for months and it would be a fantastic facility for our area. We have said we would consider investing alongside Middlesbrough Council but obviously it has to stack up financially.”