NEWS
Interest r-AMPing up !
HISTORY LESSON
Mayor ’ s promise to protect historic buildings as fund launched
Heritage - Andy Preston on Zetland Road and ( below ) how the road might look .
A
major funding boost is set to breathe new life into Middlesbrough ’ s Historic Quarter .
Grants will be available to help with repairs and restoration work to businesses and other premises around the town ’ s Grade II-listed railway station , including several listed Victorian buildings .
The quarter , which extends north towards Middlehaven and the Boho digital zone and south towards the town centre , will benefit from a key funding injection through Historic England ’ s High Street Heritage Action Zone fund .
Middlesbrough Council ’ s successful bid was chosen from more than 200 expressions of interest from across England .
Mayor Andy Preston said : “ I always promised that protecting Middlesbrough ’ s historic buildings was one of my priorities .
“ The town ’ s Historic Quarter has suffered in recent years through lack of investment and high levels of empty properties . That will now start to change . Our history is also our future .”
The new status will see the Historic Quarter become the focus of a programme of improvements designed to reinvigorate the area and drive investment .
The programme is funded by Historic England (£ 985,880 ) and Middlesbrough Council (£ 1m ) and will also leverage third party funding .
Kicking off immediately and running until 2024 , it will offer property improvement grants to eligible privately-owned premises , to assist with building repairs and restoration .
It will also provide enhancements to Exchange Square and Zetland Road , including : * Upgrades to hard surfacing * New street furniture * Improved street lighting * Introduction of new trees * Community and cultural activities The programme of improvements is designed to stimulate investment in what was the commercial centre of Middlesbrough ’ s Ironopolis trade boom in the second half of the 19th century .
Councillor Mieka Smiles , Middlesbrough Council ’ s executive member for culture and communities , said : “ The Historic Quarter is the main thoroughfare between the town centre and the train station , and is often the first thing people see when visiting our town .
“ The area has huge potential , but it needs significant investment to revitalise the listed Victorian buildings and make them fit for modern purposes .”
Middlesbrough ’ s Tees Advanced Manufacturing Park ( TeesAMP ) is proving a hit with businesses looking for state-of-the art accommodation .
A total of 45,000 sq ft - 25 per cent of the space available in the first phase of the development - has been leased , while a contract pending with an additional business would see the figure rise to 50 per cent .
One as yet unnamed business is expanding into Middlesbrough and has taken two units totalling 30,000 sq ft .
TeesAMP is poised to become a focal point for innovation and advanced engineering in the North-East , and is a significant development for the region ’ s already renowned advanced manufacturing sector .
The first phase of the development offers 180,000 sq ft of high specification business accommodation , which has been led by developer Chaloner Group and constructed predominantly by a North-East-based supply chain , including main contractor Robertson North East and Stockton steel fabricators Nationwide Structures .
The second phase of the development will provide flexible building opportunities to further attract innovative manufacturing companies to the region .
Councillor Ashley Waters , Middlesbrough Council ’ s executive member for regeneration , said : “ TeesAMP is a vibrant symbol of Middlesbrough ’ s drive and ambition , not just for the town but for the whole area .
“ It ’ s a fantastic offer for businesses , and the proof of that is the speed at which the units are being snapped up .
“ It ’ s great news for Middlesbrough , and will prove a terrific catalyst to creating jobs and long-term prosperity .”
TeesAMP has been funded by £ 12.5m from Middlesbrough Council , £ 7.65m from Tees Valley Combined Authority , £ 2.3m from the SSI Taskforce and substantial private investment .
To enquire about available units , contact one of TeesAMP ’ s agents Stephen Brown on s . brown @ doddsbrown . co . uk or Richard Scott on richard . scott @ cushwake . com
www . teesamp . co . uk
Progress - TeesAMP .
The voice of business in the Tees region | 61