MIDDLESBROUGH
Construction – Work continues on a new Centre Square building . a direct London service .
But a short walk from the station , a quieter transformation has been taking place . In Centre Square , Middlesbrough now has significant Grade A office space which is both attracting major businesses and providing staff with the environment they demand in the wake of the pandemic .
But the need for this quality was recognised long before we had even heard of Covid . Five years ago , developer Mark Ashall , in partnership with Middlesbrough Council , launched the Centre Square project . Over the past 20 years , his company has developed projects with an investment value in excess of £ 500m , including the Holiday Inn Express which overlooks Centre Square .
“ I spent a considerable amount of time in the town during that period and quickly realised there was a shortage of Grade A office space ,” said Mark .
“ There were many good reasons for businesses to move to the area , but this lack of quality workspace meant that Middlesbrough was at a significant disadvantage .”
Centre Square was in the right place , near the town ’ s amenities and transport links , and he was convinced businesses would move there if spacious , light , energy efficient buildings were there as well . His assessment was correct .
Around 1,000 people are now working in 1 and 2 Centre Square , which are almost fully occupied by a mix of business and professional services companies .
Transformation - The BBC ’ s Ian Reeve interviewing Mark Ashall about Centre Square .
Businesses who want to benefit from the green industrial revolution and a great working environment are moving to Centre Square .
Chris Jones of the Frazer-Nash Consultancy – which provides specialist support for the chemical process , rail and pharmaceutical industries – said : “ We struggle to attract talent from the wider North-East if we ’ re not near good transport links and being in the middle of town helps us hugely with that .”
GB Bank moved into 2 Centre Square after Easter . Liz Ferry – investor and community relations – said : “ Even when it was empty , the space was beautiful . There was so much bright light and we wanted to incorporate that into the way we work .”
Although GB Bank ’ s employees can split their time between home or office working , extra desks had to be added because staff were so impressed by their new surroundings , they wanted to spend more time there , she said .
Construction of a third Centre Square building is well underway and next year , 450 staff from AXA UK will move there .
Some of them have already had a look round and they have also visited GB Bank ’ s offices to see what sort of working environment they are going to have .
“ The light in a modern building makes you feel really positive about going to work ,” said Jamie Simmons of AXA UK . “ Rather than thinking home ’ s better , it will actually be a pleasure to come into the office – which will be a nice change .”
The Centre Square project will continue when AXA ’ s building is finished . Outline planning permission is already in place for a further phase .
“ The pandemic changed the way many businesses use their offices and the standards they require to attract and retain their employees ,” said Mr Ashall . “ But we created Grade A office space in Middlesbrough because we knew that ’ s what the better companies wanted .
“ Staff benefit from an abundance of natural light . Our buildings are sustainable ( Breeam Excellent ) and , really importantly right now , energy efficient ( EPC A rated ).
“ If you work for one of the businesses in Centre Square – or are just visiting – you ’ re a short walk from shops , restaurants , art galleries , concert venues and hotels . And if you ’ re moving to the area – as many people will be from now on – you ’ ll be stunned by the spectacular nearby countryside and coastline and pleasantly surprised by the cost of housing as well .”
To discuss opportunities in Centre Square , contact Stephen Brown at Dodds Brown on 01642 244130 or Alex Hailey at CBRE on 0113 394 8814 .
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