DEVELOPERS are being invited to get involved in the Tees Valley's flagship Middlehaven development.

As is usual in the industry, an advert seeking expressions of interest has been placed in the trade media in the hope that the country's top developers see the plans for the development and sign up to be part of the scheme.

The masterplan has been drawn up by architect Will Alsop.

The waterfront site next to the Riverside Stadium will include homes, offices, education and leisure facilities, a hotel and casino.

The first phase will cover 40 acres.

It will be up to Tees Valley Regeneration to draw up a shortlist from those expressing an interest.

Developers and their design teams will have to demonstrate that they have experience in mixed-use developments and a proven track record in delivering schemes of architectural merit. They must also have the financial standing to back up their bid.

Sean Egan, project director, said: "We want developers to share in our passion and enthusiasm for the regeneration of this key, edge of town centre, waterfront site.

"We want to work with the very best developers with all the necessary design skills to produce buildings of quality and excellence within the best possible environment at Middlehaven.

"The regeneration of Middlehaven is now under way. We want to capitalise on this build-up of momentum, and judging by the interest shown so far, the best developers are keen to be involved in our ambitious proposals."