'I'm delighted the government recognises this unique opportunity'

TEESSIDE is soon to be announced an AI Growth Zone, after an agreement was reached with the government.

- By DANIEL HODGSON

Tees Valley Conservative Mayor Ben Houchen has welcomed the news, saying he is “delighted” that the government recognises the unique opportunity in Teesside.

With no official announcement as of yet, the government said that they were “working closely” with potential sites.

The news comes at a time when the government has delayed making a decision on the dispute between BP’s proposed hydrogen plant and Teesworks Limited’s preferred data centre.

In a letter addressed to Mayor Houchen from Peter Kyle, who until last week was the secretary of state at the department of science, innovation and technology (DSIT), Mr Kyle welcomed the mayor's “proactive” approach in wanting to bring an AI Growth Zone to Teesside. He wrote: “We both want to see Teesside leading the Al industrial revolution within the UK”

Mr Kyle went on to say in his letter that the government will put its “full weight” behind Teesworks and Teesside Airport becoming an AI Growth Zone and described a “shared vision” to build a world-leading AI hub in Teesside.

He also spoke about the potential of Teesside being the “cornerstone” of the UK's AI strategy.