DEVELOPMENTS
BOLD PLANS
Panel – guests heard from ( left to right ) Buccleuch Property managing director David Peck , Behaviour Interactive UK general manager Bob Makin , Wander Films CEO Chloë Clover , Salesfire UK CEO Rich Himsworth and iMpeC founder Neil McMillan .
Businesses given lowdown on transformational Gresham proposals
Representatives of dozens of local businesses have heard how an exciting regeneration project in Gresham could kickstart much-needed transformation across Middlesbrough town centre .
Around 80 delegates attended a special Tees Business LIVE event that considered the proposed regeneration of derelict land at Gresham into high-quality living space for up to 1,000 people .
In an event held in the Gold Room at the Dickens Inn in Middlesbrough , developers told representatives of businesses large and small about their vision to create a quality accommodation offer unlike anything currently available on Teesside .
Middlesbrough Development Corporation ( MDC ) has teamed up with experienced property developers iMpeC and Buccleuch Property to design a scheme aimed at young professionals and students .
By breathing new life into a neglected but central part of Middlesbrough , it ’ s hoped the new development will increase footfall into the town , boosting local businesses and transforming the town centre ’ s flagging reputation .
Delegates saw a presentation about the proposed project by Neil McMillan , founder of Stockton-based iMpeC , a leading property development and investment company , and David Peck , managing director of Buccleuch Property , a private property investment and development company that maintains investments across the UK and USA .
The event also included a discussion hosted by Tees Business director Dave Allan with three local business owners
94 | Tees Business about the challenge of recruiting and retaining staff for businesses based in central Middlesbrough .
Chloë Clover , Richard Himsworth and Bob Makin , representing Albert Roadbased businesses Wander Films , Salesfire UK and Behaviour Interactive UK , spoke positively about how regeneration schemes such as the Gresham redevelopment could support their thriving businesses .
Afterwards , Neil said : “ Along with local residents and other key stakeholders , we are fully committed to consulting with the local business community , so we took this opportunity to provide an update on the project ’ s progress .”
David added : “ It was fascinating to hear from a wide range of business leaders about the challenges and opportunities of building a business in central Middlesbrough .”
A high-quality mixed-use scheme is being lined up that will see a new housing offer of professionally managed , purposebuilt rental accommodation , which the developers believe will primarily appeal to young professionals and students .
The proposals will offer high-quality accommodation for around 1,000 people with the aim of attracting and retaining talent in Middlesbrough , supporting the growth of Teesside University and boosting the economic rejuvenation of both Gresham and the wider town .
A high-quality hotel , green spaces and improved pedestrian links to the university campus are all part of the plan .
Subject to the rubber-stamping of an asset transfer to the Middlesbrough
Vision – an artist ’ s impression of how the Gresham development might look .
Development Corporation and approval from the MDC , a planning application is due to be submitted in October , with work set to start in 2025 .
Neil added : “ By creating something comparable with what can be found in the north ’ s university cities such as Newcastle , Leeds and Manchester , we can help to attract and retain students and young professionals in Middlesbrough , to the benefit of town ’ s businesses , university and colleges .
“ We want to play a role in helping the town ’ s thriving businesses , such as Wander Films , Salesfire and Behaviour Interactive UK , to grow and prosper by giving their staff an opportunity for highquality town-centre living .
“ If a young professional has an opportunity to work in Middlesbrough , Newcastle or Leeds , we want to create the sort of town centre living that will help tip the balance in Middlesbrough ’ s favour .”
Read more about iMpeC on page 95 .