Tees Business Tees Business Issue 20 | Page 29

The voice of business in the Tees region | 29 Middlesbrough mayor Andy Preston. “I’m delighted to be supporting Andy Preston’s vision for the kinds of project that local authorities can deliver, linked to the combined authority’s £588m ten-year investment plan. It’s brought us the airport, land at the South Tees Development Corporation and now it’s revitalising our town centres.” Local digital businesses were also given a sneak preview by Seymour Architecture of the plans for Boho 8, including a scale model. A planning application has been submitted for the £2.5m development of modular units – situated right behind the existing Boho One building – creating perfect flexible space for dynamic digital and creative businesses. The building is scheduled to be complete by August 2020. Mayor Preston added: “We have great businesses here already, of course – and a university specialising in digital and pumping out graduates with amazing ability. “Everything is in place for us to create a UK Silicon Valley here in Middlesbrough. “Boho 8 is going to be a really important part of that transition from what we are today and the Digital Hercules we are going to become.” Andy Preston addresses attendees at the scheme’s launch event. Artist’s impressions of how the Middlesbrough housing development could look. Building for the future £20m urban living plans given green light M iddlesbrough's “urban living” plans are to be kick started with the building of nearly 200 new homes in the Gresham area, close to the town centre. The major regeneration project is the first phase of a housing strategy partnership between Middlesbrough Council, Thirteen and North Star Housing Group. Through a £20m scheme sanctioned by Middlesbrough’s mayor Andy Preston and his executive, Thirteen will build 179 new homes on the site and create an area “where people will want to live and visit”. Mayor Preston says the high- quality new homes will kick-start the regeneration of Gresham after the area suffered years of decline. Mr Preston said: “The people of Gresham deserve the best – and our plans for nearly 200 homes will encourage many more people to live near the town centre, revitalising our shops and restaurants. “Our partners at Thirteen Housing and North Star Housing are helping us to produce something truly transformational for central Middlesbrough. “This is going to be a massive part of everything we need to do to make sure the town centre is revitalised and a place where people feel safe and want to live and visit. “Thirteen are not only going to build fantastic homes but a strong community that is welcoming and helps raise aspirations for Middlesbrough and its people. I can’t wait to see this get started.” Ian Wardle, Thirteen’s chief executive, added: “Our development in Gresham will provide a mix of new homes for customers in Middlesbrough. “With strong access links to the town centre, which is within walking distance of all of the key amenities, we know there will be demand for modern, well- appointed, affordable homes. “We look forward to working with the council and other partners to deliver these much-needed new homes.”