The Tees Valley Mayor Presents Tees Valley – Where Anything is Possible

One of the biggest investment events of the year has heard how Development Corporations across the Tees Valley have revolutionised progress on huge job-making projects. 

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen talked up the £8billion of private investment and 10,000 contracted jobs at Teesworks the region during a Q&A session at UKREiiF, in Leeds.  

He also stressed work to breathe new life into the region was not “any job at any cost” – pointing to how he wanted to see high quality jobs created and staying in the region. 

He said: “Ultimately, I’m confident in saying that site, once it is fully developed out over the next five to seven years will deliver more than the 20,000 jobs we originally set out to create in 2017. Not only will it be a catalyst for everything going on in the Tees Valley, but will be a significant centre for UK PLC. 

“I think you’ll see in the weeks and months ahead a Labour Government working with a Conservative Mayor to recognise the unique opportunities our area can deliver.” 

An event UKREiiF marked the official launch of Crown Square – a £200million development to attract and retain talent and boost the heart of Middlesbrough through investing in new accommodation, a new hotel, living space and supporting Teesside University.  

Visitors have also heard how Hartlepool Development Corporation is seeking to build on the town’s burgeoning pedigree as a capital for cultural and screen industries. 

The mayor explained how two new development corporations in the two towns were taking action and pushing exciting projects forward through planning permission at good pace.  

Mayor Houchen said: “Development Corporations are a genuinely fantastic way of accelerating development.  

“It allows a very focussed public body to deliver on a very particular geography to deliver jobs and investment.  

“Just recently we gave planning permission to the Gresham development in Middlesbrough – we have development partners who’ve been incredible in helping us get that development over the line.  

“We determined that huge planning application in 10 weeks and one day for a £200million development. The reason we do that and the reason Development Corporations are a great mechanism is, if you’re an investor who can invest anywhere in the country, or internationally, one of your biggest issues is planning. 

“With devolution, we can take that on.” 

The mayor also explained how he wanted investment to help local people succeed – and also backed the incredible projects the region’s local authorities are taking on across the region. 

He added: “We work hand in glove with everybody across Stockton, Darlington, Redcar and Cleveland, Hartlepool and Middlesbrough.  

“From the Health and Innovation Zone in Stockton, which is an absolutely incredible development on Stockton Riverside, to all the incredible developments we see in Redcar town centre, Middlesbrough, Hartlepool and in Darlington. 

“If anyone wants to deploy their capital, I genuinely don’t think there is anywhere better in the country at the moment than Teesside.”