Member Article

£22m Tees Advanced Manufacturing Park on cusp of green light

The much-anticipated Tees Advanced Manufacturing Park (TAMP), a £22.46m initiative aiming to create 1,000 skilled jobs in the region, is on the verge of being given the final go-ahead by Middlesbrough Council.

Located on the historic South West Ironmasters site less than a mile from Middlesbrough city centre, plans to turn the site into an industry-leading technical cluster of manufacturing businesses have been in the pipeline since 2013.

The Council’s Executive is expected to give the green light to the project at a meeting later this month (December 19).

Under the proposals, work on its first phase will start early in the new year, creating 180,000 sq ft of high quality accommodation across ten buildings.

Under the latest proposals Middlesbrough Council will put nearly £12.5 million towards the total cost, supported by proposed investment from Tees Valley Combined Authority of £7,650,000 towards infrastructure and remediation. A bid for further funding of £2.3 million has also been made to the SSI Taskforce.

Middlesbrough Deputy Mayor and Executive Member for City Centre Strategy Councillor Charlie Rooney said: “TAMP is just the latest evidence of the ambition we have for Middlesbrough, and our confidence that high-tech businesses are ready and willing to invest in the town.

“We have already shown that we can deliver jobs and investment in partnership with the private sector, and this is yet another example of that forward-thinking approach.

“We know this is a growth sector, and through the experience of TWI we know we have the location and infrastructure that businesses are crying out for.

“The Council will own the 180,000 sq ft first phase, with investment modelled to generate an additional income stream to support the delivery of Council services.

“In time, the aim is that TAMP will be synonymous within the advanced manufacturing sector in the same way Aberdeen is with the oil and gas industries.

“This is a first for this area, and will deliver long-lasting benefits across the Tees Valley in terms of jobs, skills, prosperity and further investment.

“TAMP is a development of national significance which will create long-term employment opportunities and provide a major boost to the local and regional economy.”

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “The Combined Authority’s proposed investment of £7.5 million in Tees Advanced Manufacturing Park represents our firm belief in the area’s appeal to new, creative advanced manufacturing firms.

“TAMP is a monument to, and natural progression of, Tees Valley’s strong industrial history.

“It is a forward-thinking proposal which will increase employment and grow the economy of both Middlesbrough and the entire region.

“This exciting development has the potential to be another jewel in Tees Valley’s crown.”

A report on the proposed investment in the Tees Advanced Manufacturing Park will be considered at a meeting of Middlesbrough Council’s Executive on Tuesday, December 19.