Homes plan can be a 'catalyst for change'

MAYOR BACKING PROJECT TO CREATE UP TO 3,400 DWELLINGS AT MIDDLEHAVEN

- By JOHN ROGAN

THE first steps for plans for thousands of new homes in Middlehaven have been outlined in a new report.

Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke and his Executive will next week be asked to back plans for the council to partner with "social impact developer" Capital&Centric.

The plans would see up to 3,400 houses and apartments built in the area around the Old Town Hall and towards the waterfront at Middlehaven Dock.

It is said the project would also bring new leisure and retail attractions to the area.

The executive agenda states: "Although the recommendations of this report will not directly deliver the redevelopment of Middlehaven, it will provide a significant and necessary step towards its future development."

Mayor Cooke said: "Middlehaven has such an important role to play in the future of Middlesbrough. I share the frustrations of many people that as a town we haven't been able to properly tap into the area's potential over a number of decades.

"But if we get this right it can be a catalyst for change and bring a new energy and character to our town centre. It's really exciting for us. The opportunity is enormous and the report to Executive sets out how we would work with Capital&Centric to carefully bring forward a plan that could solve one of our biggest regeneration challenges."