Middlesbrough to be transformed through new board plans

Middlesbrough’s town Development Corporation Board today approved a plan for the Middlesbrough Development Corporation to reinvent the town as a “great place for everyone”.

Backed by Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen, areas in and around Middlesbrough will see 1,500 new homes built and attract an estimated 4,000 jobs.

Read more: Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen criticised for 'silly buggers' comment

How Gresham could look under new plans. (Image: Press release)

Created with partners and stakeholders, the areas of Gresham, Middlehaven, St Hilda’s as well as the town centre and Middlesbrough station will be targeted to be “bold and industrious”.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen expressed his delight at the news that will help the town “succeed”.

He said: “There’s one thing that unites everyone on this Board – and it’s that we all want to see Middlesbrough succeed, reach its potential and be the absolute best it can be.

“We’ve put in place a clear path for both Middlesbrough and Hartlepool which set out our priorities, our targets and how we’re going to get there.

“From recognising the fantastic assets we have on our doorstep – like Teesside University and our ever-growing digital cluster – to attracting new leisure opportunities and businesses, we’ll be able to go further, faster in making Middlesbrough better, safer and more attractive.”

Said to capitalise on “existing assets” including Teesside University and the Boho zone, planners hope these latest plans will drive a combined effort to improve the town.

The Tees Valley Combined Authority say that this will then “create a Middlesbrough to be proud of, with better streets, spaces and places where people want to spend time.”

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Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke, who sits on the Development Corporation Board, said: “I absolutely welcome the potential investment into Middlesbrough and am happy to work with the TVCA to make this a reality.

“My priority now is making sure the corporation has the best possible chance of delivering for Middlesbrough residents, and to ensure they are as involved as possible at every stage.

“I will continue to work hard with Middlesbrough Council officers to make sure the MDC and this Masterplan can make a meaningful and lasting difference.”