A leading UK architectural practice has been selected to further shape and deliver one of the most important regeneration projects in the North-East.

Tees Valley Regeneration has appointed Alsop Architects to work with its partners - the national regeneration agency English Partnerships, One NorthEast and Middlesbrough Council - to work on the Greater Middlehaven project in Middlesbrough.

Alsop is an award-winning international architectural and urban design practice, with studios in London, Rotterdam, Toronto and Singapore.

Middlehaven is expected to provide homes, leisure facilities, educational developments and a business park which could produce up to 2,000 jobs.

Joe Docherty, Tees Valley Regeneration chief executive, said: "Alsop Architects are leaders in exciting and innovative development. They will produce new ideas which will build upon previous work undertaken. Their expertise will be vital in the delivery of our ambitious vision for Middlehaven.

"It will also raise the standard of design quality for Greater Middlehaven, Middlesbrough and the Tees Valley as a whole."

Will Alsop, founder of the practice and managing director, said: "We are totally committed to a vibrant design approach for new urban communities, and one of our most important tasks is to engage with the public to decide on and drive forward the design of the Middlehaven site."