How Middlesbrough is part of the European elite
The region ’ s
heartbeat
Early in 2022 , Middlesbrough was named the joint thirdbest small city of the future in Europe by the Financial Times . Andy Preston , the town ’ s independent elected mayor , explains how a huge regeneration programme will deliver for local people and why the best is yet to come .
Middlesbrough is on the rise . Under my leadership we ’ re looking to the future with limitless optimism , energy and passion .
Earlier this year , the Financial Times recognised our spectacular potential for growth . To be named the third-best small city in Europe for our regeneration strategy was brilliant , but I want more for our people . We ’ re going to continue punching above our weight – I ’ m determined that we take on neighbouring cities like Leeds and Newcastle to secure investment and jobs .
So many amazing things are happening here and the next decade promises to be the most exciting in our history .
We ’ re focusing on making central Middlesbrough a place where people can live , enjoy leisure time and learn . At the same time , we have a relentless focus on ensuring our thriving businesses can provide jobs of all kinds .
Before the end of 2022 we will see the completion of Boho X – quite simply the best office space anywhere between Leeds and Glasgow . This extraordinary complex will become the global HQ of one of Middlesbrough ’ s most ambitious businesses . Our outstanding digital companies are competing on the world stage and partnering with names known around the planet .
OUR GLOBAL REACH Take Big Bite , for example . The powerhouse based in the heart of Middlesbrough crafts websites for Rupert Murdoch ’ s Newscorp , Amnesty International and Gumtree , to name just a few .
We ’ re also home to Double Eleven , the
54 publishing and development studio that works on some of the world ’ s most popular video games .
All around our Boho Zone digital cluster there are fearless business leaders looking to take their firms to the next level . These innovative companies are key to our future , along with our brilliant young people , who will become our next generation of entrepreneurs .
EDUCATION CAPITAL We want the best for Middlesbrough ’ s children . That ’ s why under my watch , Middlesbrough is becoming an education capital .
Already we have the astonishing Teesside University , the brand-new Northern School of Art campus and the expanding Middlesbrough College .
Soon to be joining these astounding institutions will be the world-famous Eton College . Eton is teaming up with leading academy chain Star to open a new sixthform college close to Middlehaven docks .
This non-fee-paying centre of excellence will help kids from around the North-East get places at the country ’ s best universities . Welcoming Eton here just a few years ago would have been unthinkable – but it ’ s another example of an elite name taking note of what ’ s happening here and wanting to be a part of it .
Booming companies are choosing to base themselves here – whether it be in our luxurious Centre Square office accommodation or our award-winning advanced manufacturing park , TeesAMP .
ATTRACTING PEOPLE FROM MILES AROUND Like high streets around the country , Middlesbrough ’ s retail core has had a tough few years . But we ’ re not idly standing by . We ’ re being bold and acting fast to remodel our town centre so we have an economy that attracts visitors and investors and helps us provide the best possible services .
The council has bought Captain Cook Square and the Cleveland Centre – two enormous retail hubs ripe for development .
We ’ re busy transforming Captain Cook Square into a groundbreaking leisure destination .
Opening soon will be one of the north ’ s biggest and best e-sports arenas . Alongside it will come exciting food and drink venues and a huge entertainment complex that will attract families from miles around .
We ’ re becoming a landmark for leisure and will entice people into town with new attractions that wouldn ’ t look out of place anywhere in the land .
INTERNATIONAL SCALE EVENTS Great things happen in Middlesbrough .
International indie icons The Killers kicked off our Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June with a sensational show at the Riverside Stadium .
More than 30,000 fans flocked to Middlesbrough FC ’ s home , also filling the town ’ s hotels , bars and restaurants for the occasion .
We have a proud record in hosting massive events , with Radio 1 ’ s Big Weekend