iMpeC and Buccleuch Property have partnered with the Middlesbrough Development Corporation to create the town’s biggest development in generations. The £200m vision in Gresham and central Middlesbrough is named Crown Square – and planning permission has been secured for the first phase.
The scheme will deliver purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) for over 400 people alongside Build to Rent homes as part of Crown Square’s first landmark strides. The PBSA development will be managed by a national operator with on-site concierge staff and cutting-edge social spaces.
“Middlesbrough has been in dire need of action for generations – and now it has come. It’s great to see Crown Square launched – with building work and hoardings going up around these brilliant developments soon.
“The time for talk is over, and now we can start to see even more action on the ground to build on our massive strengths in digital industries and provide for our growing university. This will allow us to nurture our talent so our young people stay local and go far.
“We’ve got developers on board with a great hunger and a very good pedigree – and a brilliant vision for all to see. Now it’s time to put it into action and deliver what has been promised to Middlesbrough for so long – and I’d urge other businesses, developers and ambitious company owners to come with us.”
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen, Mayor, Tees Valley
The regeneration scheme will bring high-quality developments to Middlesbrough. The project was officially launched at the UKREiiF property event last week. Crown Square’s first phase planning permission has also been secured.
“This scheme, alongside all of the other projects led and supported by Middlesbrough Council such as our Local Plan, Captain Cook Square, the new Live Well Centre, STACK, the new Odeon Luxe cinema, and many others in the works, will deliver a town centre that is fit for the future.
“We will continue to work productively with partners to secure high quality redevelopment in our town centre and beyond.”
Chris Cooke, Mayor, Middlesbrough
Leaders, property developers and business owners heard about Crown Square’s part in the ambitious vision to create 1,500 new homes and 4,000 jobs, as well as to attract and retain talent in the town at UKREiiF last week.
iMpeC Director Neil McMillan is leading the charge to make Crown Square a Northern beacon by building on the town’s strengths and gems it has to offer.
“This is a regeneration project. We’ve looked at the challenges in the town, but we’ve also identified and recognised some of the wonderful things going on.
“It has a major university which has just invested £280m pounds, some really rapidly growing digital businesses – and billions of pounds going into Teesworks creating jobs in advanced manufacturing.
“You’ve got a bustling professional services sector – so there are some wonderful things happening attracting people to work in and around the town.
“But ultimately, the town centre needs regenerating to both attract and retain those talented people. That is key.”
Neil McMillan, Director, iMpeC
One of the country’s first Fairfield by Marriott hotels is also being built as part of the scheme. Neil explained how the new hotel will meet an unmet demand and make a statement on Borough Road as people come into Middlesbrough from the A66.
When it came to the new Crown Square name, Neil also explained how honouring the area’s heritage was a high priority, alongside ensuring safety and security.
“It’s the type of hotel brand you associate with successful towns and cities – it’ll one of the first things visitors will see as they arrive.”
“It’s the history and heritage of this part of town. There’s The Crown itself – the old ABC – but all the streets in the area are names after jewels – and this was an important way of marking the past while also looking to the future.”
Neil McMillan, Director, iMpeC
There will be an additional opportunity for the public and businesses to have their say on iMpeC and Buccleuch Property’s project soon – with a consultation on Crown Square’s second phase taking place in summer.
