A revolutionary plan to regenerate a UK town with a proud industrial heritage has been given a £7 million boost taking a total to £11.5 million to build a “first-class hotel and accommodation scheme” in 2025.
Middlesbrough in the north east of England once earned the nicknamed “Ironopolis” because of a huge trade in the metal during the 19th century – and locals are fondly known as “Smoggies” because of the once abundance of smoke in the air from factories.
The city was so prolific in iron production that the girders for the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge were made there, before being shipped 10,000 miles to Australia to be constructed.
Sadly industrial decline hit the area hard in the last few decades causing deprivation and unemployment as cheap foreign imports took away the need for UK industry.
But now as part of an ambitious regeneration plan by the Middlesbrough Development Corporation (MDC), more than £11.5 million is set to be ploughed into into the heart of the urban area.
The £11.5 million has been bolstered by a fresh cash boost of £7 million and initial site works are expected to begin in April, with construction forecast to start in summer 2025.
Conservative Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “For far too long this site has stood derelict but we are now getting on with the job of delivering a first-class hotel and accommodation scheme which will transform this area.
“Our Development Corporation is getting on with the job of regenerating Middlesbrough by bringing jobs and investment and this decision means we will soon have spades in the ground and construction under way.”
TeesideLive reports MDC has teamed up with property developers iMpeC and Buccleuch Property to deliver a project to rejuvenate Gresham. The aim is to offer high-quality accommodation to attract and retain talent in the town, support the growth of Teesside University and aid the regeneration of Middlesbrough by attracting up to 4,000 jobs. This funding approval is the latest development on the project.
It was announced in October that international hotel brand Fairfield by Marriott is in discussions to open a new 200-bedroom hotel at the corner of Borough Road near Union Street and Hartington Road.
Wates has also been recently appointed as the lead construction contractor on the development and a planning application for phase one of the development is expected to be submitted in January, seeking approval for more than 230 build-to-rent properties and a new block to offer student accommodation for more than 400 people.
