Plans have been unveiled for a 2,000-job “digital city” centred around three skyscrapers in Middlesbrough.
The £250m plan, which was unveiled by Middlesbrough mayor Andy Preston, aims to establish Middlesbrough as a centre of digital and creative industries.
An initial £45m phase of the scheme for office and residential towers would be followed by a digital campus, a 750-seat indoor amphitheatre and a 400-seat outdoor amphitheatre to host events such as lectures, cultural events and entertainment.
Mr Preston unveiled the scheme in front of 200 business leaders at Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium, saying it was “the biggest single investment in Middlesbrough’s history”.
Construction of the first phase, which will include the three towers, will start next summer and create up to 400 construction jobs.
Mr Preston said: “For the next few years my obsession, my mission, my purpose on this planet is to get Middlesbrough on track as the digital city for the 海角视频.
“This is a £45m first step of a quarter of a billion pounds scheme that will propel Middlesbrough on a journey to become the 海角视频’s digital capital - bringing investment, jobs and prosperity to the town.
“The sky’s the limit if we think big – and that’s exactly what we’re doing with this project. All of the old perceptions of Middlesbrough are going to go out of the window.
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“We want our existing digital businesses to grow, regional businesses to realise this is the place to be, and national and international businesses to be attracted here.
“We can do that by ensuring we have the best office space with the best facilities and environment, and the most positive mind set.
”I don’t care what’s happened in the past with the empty promises. This isn’t another pipe-dream that might happen in two, four or 10 years’ time. This is happening now.
“We have the money and investors in place. Planning consent will be sought within weeks and construction will start next summer.”
Middlesbrough’s digital sector already adds around £200m a year to the town’s economy and employs around 1,000 people. The town’s Boho zone has become home to firms ranging from games developers and marketing specialists.
Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen also backed the plans.
He said: “This is another transformational project for the Tees Valley which shows just what can happen when mayors work together. I’m delighted to support Mayor Preston’s bold vision to develop Middlesbrough into the digital powerhouse of the 海角视频 – and send out a strong message that ‘Boro’s on the up – literally.
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“Our region is already home to some world-leading digital businesses and we’ll be able to offer cutting edge accommodation in the heart of the oldest part of Middlesbrough, bringing well-paid jobs to the town.
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It’s no coincidence that The High Street Group describes itself as a family of companies. Even 80 metres above Newcastle, surrounded by concrete, wiring, workers and some of the most amazing views the city has ever revealed, the focus for chairman Gary Forrest is always people.
“This will be adjacent to two new residential towers, new shops and facilities which will make this a great place to live as well as work.”
The £30m office development is being joint funded by the Tees Valley Combined Authority and Middlesbrough Council.
This includes £26.5m from the Combined Authority’s £588m Investment Plan which was agreed earlier this year. The council will contribute £3.5m, with a further £15m investment in residential accommodation by a third party consortium.