Member Article

Property entrepreneur aims to put Middlesbrough on the map for conferencing and gigs

Teesside property developer Geoff Hogg is hoping to put Middlesbrough on the map as a conferencing and music destination with his latest venture.

The venue is the latest venture for the entrepreneur who has joined forces with local promoter Andy Sutton to deliver the 3,000 capacity venue.

Geoff bought the former Riley’s Snooker Hall site in 2012 from an administrator, knowing the town had a need for large live music venue.

He said: “I always knew there was a huge demographic who weren’t served by a proper music venue and I bought the building knowing this was the direction I wanted to take.

“At the time I met Andy, I told him I had Riley’s in there and they wanted to sign a 15-year lease, at a significant rent. That was a massive commitment for me not to renew that lease, but Andy has been in the industry and was very confident that a venue would work.”

Since the pair embarked on the refit three months ago, momentum has snowballed.

TFM Radio have secured the contract for naming rights of the venue which is now called the TFM Soundworks.

Creating a 3,000 capacity venue in the centre of Middlesbrough has meant Geoff and his team have had to negotiate park and ride facilities; work on traffic assessments; environmental sound assessments and planning regulations.

Geoff added: “The council have been very supportive. Of course, the local economy benefits as all these people want food, taxis and drinks before and after the shows.

“We’ll also get people who never would have visited Middlesbrough. People from Sunderland and Newcastle, and further afield will be coming to see shows and spend money.

“The planning department at the council have been fantastically proactive in making sure we have every chance of being successful.”

As part of the venture both Geoff and Andy are keen to deliver a corporate entertainment package to rival their North East neighbours and something different to the usual activities.

The idea is to allow firms to invite guests to performances where they can enjoy drinks, backstage meetings with the stars and good food.

A partnership agreement with Middlesbrough College will also mean the venue is used as a training ground for young sound and lighting engineers to cut their teeth on.

Geoff has also recently opened Kalinka bar in Middlesbrough, and across the two venues has a workforce of nearly 100.

The two venues represent a symbiotic relationship - with aftershow parties taking place in Kalinka.

The TFM Soundworks Halloween Ball is coming up on October 30, and tickets are available from Middlesbrough box office. Check out the TFM Soundworks website here.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .