Development Corporations Take Big Steps Forward With Board Backing

Two development corporations primed to transform the fortunes of two town centres have taken big strides forward.

Both boards of Hartlepool Development Corporation and Middlesbrough Development Corporation met on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Middlesbrough’s board unanimously agreed to select Tarras Park Properties with local firm iMpeC Development Ltd as the developer for a £120million overhaul of Gresham.

The firm, selected following a full, open and competitive procurement process, will draw up a masterplan for a high-quality mixed-use scheme with professional living, student accommodation, a business incubation space, leisure facilities, and better pedestrian links to the Teesside University campus.

Meanwhile, Hartlepool’s board backed proposals to take over the Middleton Grange Shopping Centre to take greater control over the town centre and repurpose its heart.

After the meetings, Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen was pleased both boards had backed the recommendations.

“We’re working together and getting on with the job,” he said.

“The decision to back the Middleton Grange takeover means we can provide it with the TLC it desperately needs and supercharge all our ambitions for the centre of Hartlepool.

“After years of delay by the council, we’ve also taken a big stride forward in transforming Gresham by appointing an experienced developer to lead the charge.

“Both these decisions take us another step closer to getting spades in the ground in both towns. The MDCs are about action and I’m looking forward to work getting going sooner rather than later.”