Tees Valley Unlimited - Development Projects
The advantages of the Tees Valley include its workforce (weekly pay is 85% of the national average and staff turnover lower than most), transport links (we host an international airport and major UK port, a key hub on the East Coast main train line and England's fastest road speeds) and quality of life (Lonely Planet described the area as England's "most exciting, beautiful and friendly region"). But above all, our economy, with its main centres in Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar and Stockton, is diverse, resilient and growing.
Key strengths lie in chemicals - Wilton International is the second largest petrochemical complex in Europe - manufacturing (we've got a long history of servicing offshore, automotive, nuclear, and food sectors), power generation, logistics and distribution, and professional and government services. Tees Valley is home to the likes of Tesco and Argos' logistics operations, large manufacturers, including Tetley and SABIC, service companies like AMEC and Orange, utilities such as SembCorp and EDFEnergy, and outsourcers like Capita and Mouchel.
The public sector is highly supportive of investment, working in partnership to develop key skills in growing industries, including renewable energy, engineering and creative.
Planned Developments
Digital City (Middlesbrough)
University/Science/ResearchThe creative quarter, Digital City, opened in 2009 - a partnership between One North East, Teesside University and Middlesbrough Council, to realise the area`s potential to develop the thriving digital and creative sector. It consists of the Institute of Digital Innovation, to nurture digital academia and start-up companies, and the Boho Zone, a location for digital businesses to access state-of-the-art digital infrastructure and facilities.
Durham Tees Valley Airport (Darlington)
Airport DevelopmentDurham Tees Valley Airport is a major asset to the Tees Valley, offering flights to major international hubs, such as Amsterdam and Aberdeen. The Airport has plans to expand to cater for more passengers. In addition, the £110m Sky Link International Business Park, neighbouring the Airport, will offer 2m square feet of space for airport, logistics and travel-related companies.
Teesport (Redcar & Cleveland)
Port Development
PD Ports, operator of Teesport and Hartlepool ports, the fourth largest in the UK, is increasing container capacity from 235,000 TEU to 450,000 TEU to tap into the growing container market, having handled a record 150,000 containers in 2010. Teesport offers an ideal opportunity for businesses to service Northern markets, bypassing congested Southern ports, and is looking to develop Hartlepool docks as a centre for excellence for the offshore wind support sector.
North Shore (Stockton)
Mixed Use DevelopmentNorth Shore is destined to become a mixed-use development on the bank of the River Tees in Stockton. In partnership with leading urban regeneration specialist, Muse Developments, the scheme includes waterfront houses and apartments, offices, leisure and retail facilities. The £15m Infinity Bridge, opened in 2009, links North Shore with Durham University`s Queen Campus.
Hartlepool Nuclear Power Station (Hartlepool)
Nuclear Power StationShortlisted by owner EDF as a site for a new nuclear power station, the lifespan of the existing reactor was recently extended until 2019. It is a major employer in the Tees Valley and a key strategic asset.
