Tees Business Tees Business issue 19 | Page 61

The voice of business in the Tees region | 61 Ananda Wellbeing’s interiors were created by fellow Albert North newcomers, Cocoon & Bauer. UP NORTH Multi-million-pound regeneration project hailed a success A multi-million-pound regeneration project in the centre of Middlesbrough has been hailed a success as it welcomes a further hat-trick of new tenants. Albert Road, which is a main thoroughfare in the town, was transformed into Albert North 12 months ago. Now a vibrant new business community, the area has benefited from a joint approach to investment between Middlesbrough Council and local property and regeneration specialist Jomast. Mabo, Alkaline Kitchen, Pie Jackers, Salesfire and Carbon by Clicksco are some of the businesses that committed their future to the area, and a further three tenants have joined them. Cocoon & Bauer, Ananda Wellbeing and Publicity Seekers are the latest businesses to make Albert North their home. Interior design business Cocoon & Bauer had outgrown their existing space when it set its sights on premises there. Managing director Peter Turner said: “When we started looking for space to expand, it made sense to open a showroom as the domestic side of the business was taking off. “We’d already designed commercial interiors for other businesses here, so we were fully aware of Albert North’s potential, and this made the decision to come here easy.” Cocoon & Bauer, which will be next door to Pie Jackers at 21 Albert Road, expects to be open before the end of October. Work will start on the showroom design once Jomast has completed the first fix stage on the premises. “Jomast has been incredibly supportive throughout the entire process. There is such a buzz here, and we wanted to be part of this community,” added Peter. The area has also welcomed Middlesbrough’s first dedicated yoga and wellbeing studio. Ananda Wellbeing is the brainchild of Anna-Marie Morgan and her partner Adam O’Neil. The couple chose the central location after they were impressed with the vision Jomast have for Albert North and the regeneration taking place in the town. Having worked with Cocoon & Bauer to create a design for the interior, Ananda Wellbeing is transforming space at 10 Albert Road into a studio. It will cater for everyone, with beginner courses and more energetic classes for those more experienced. As well as pilates and salsa, hot yoga will be available on a pay-as-you-go basis, which is a first for the area. Treatment rooms providing physiotherapy, reiki, hot stone massages and reflexology will also be available. Public relations firm Publicity Seekers has taken 1,000 sq. ft on the fourth floor of Albert North’s SIXTEEN26 building. Managing director Samantha Lee said: “After 12 years in Hartlepool we decided it was time for a change. We looked at a few different premises but were immediately drawn to Albert North the minute we walked in. You know when a place has a good feeling about it, and this does. “Being in Middlesbrough and Albert North, in particular, was more central for all of our clients. I have to say the welcome we have received is phenomenal. “We love being here and only wish we had moved sooner! These are exciting times in Middlesbrough, and we are happy to be part of it.” Talking about the hat-trick of new tenants, Mark Hill, commercial property director at Jomast, said: “It’s been 12 months since we welcomed our first new tenant, Mabo, to Albert North and the area has developed into a bustling commercial community. “The success is down to the variety of tenants we’ve attracted which has resulted in a diverse but complementary community that includes tech and creative firms, quirky eateries and city living apartments.” Tenants based at Albert North receive many perks including high-speed broadband, rent and rate incentives, free public health initiatives for staff and a city centre loyalty card offering discounts in local shops, bars and restaurants. Businesses interested in locating to Albert North can contact Mark Hill at Jomast, on 01642 666936 or visit albertnorth.co.uk for more details.