ARCHITECTS who drew up the masterplan for a £500m redevelopment in the north have gone into administrative receivership.
Alsop Architects came up with wacky designs for a revamp of Middlesbrough's derelict former dockland.
A hotel in the shape of a champagne glass, an office block resembling cartoon character Marge Simpson's tall blue hair, a toaster-shaped theatre and apartment blocks looking like Prada skirts were proposed by the firm's flamboyant boss, Will Alsop, for the town's Middlehaven site.
Jo Docherty, chief executive of Tees Valley Regeneration, which is leading the area's revamp, said news of the receivership would have no impact on the final plan.
He said: "Alsop has very nearly completed the work for us on the masterplan for Middlehaven.
"Whether they work with us further is a decision we would not have made at this stage."
A statement from the company said it was being restructured and would be in business as Alsop and Partners.
Mr Docherty said there was no question of the practice going out of business.
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