Tees Business Tees Business issue 17 | Page 51

Serving the Teesside Business Community | 51 Artist’s impressions of how the future Boho Zone will look “BOHO HAS BEEN A HUGE SUCCESS, AND HAS CEMENTED MIDDLESBROUGH’S STATUS AS A DIGITAL PIONEER, NOT JUST REGIONALLY BUT NATIONALLY.” has already been achieved, and provide certainty for the long-term future of the wider Boho Zone over the next ten to 15 years.” The Boho Next Generation development is just one in a series of complementary schemes delivering the next stage of Middlesbrough’s renaissance, providing clustering and expansion opportunities targeted at the digital sector. Centre Square provides Grade A office space for large professional business services, while TeesAMP is focused on attracting Advanced Manufacturing, ensuring Middlesbrough is perfectly placed to attract new inward investment while supporting existing expansion from the area’s growth industrial sectors. Funding from Tees Valley Combined Authority has paved the way for master- planning and feasibility studies, with a further funding bid expected in the near future. Councillor Charlie Rooney, Middlesbrough deputy mayor and executive member for city centre strategy, said: “Boho has been a huge success, and has cemented Middlesbrough’s status as a digital pioneer, not just regionally but nationally. “We’re now at the stage where we need new accommodation to meet the specific needs of this growing sector, and to ensure it continues to attract investment and create jobs. “This report sets out a bold vision that speaks volumes about what has been achieved here over the last ten years, and the ambition we have for the future.” Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “Boho already serves as a home for some world-class digital companies and as we look to drive forward growth in this vital sector, we need to provide more top- quality facilities that businesses are crying out for. “The report’s ambitions, supported by our £20m in funding, will help produce high-tech, highly skilled, cutting edge jobs. “Expanding Boho will be yet another boost to Middlesbrough’s already fantastic reputation in the sector, and will build on the good work it does with partners like Teesside University.”