Multi-million pound “landmark” Middlesbrough office development to bring in hundreds of jobs

Work has started on a multi-million pound office building which will bring hundreds more jobs into Middlesbrough’s Centre Square.

Insurance company AXA UK will transfer its 450 Teesside staff there when it is ready next year. The building, 40,000 sq ft of Grade A office space over four floors, is the next phase of the “landmark office development”, led by developer Ashall Projects, which has already seen other high-profile companies relocate into the heart of the town.

Last year XPS, Causeway, and First Source moved into the first two buildings of the Centre Square development. They are to be joined shortly by GB Bank and two of the UK’s most prominent firms of barristers. Around 1,000 people will then be working in the new Centre Square offices.

AXA UK’s building, Six Centre Square, is being funded and bought by the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority. Middlesbrough Council is also contributing a £2m grant to the project from its Towns Fund allocation which was provided by the government as part of the levelling up programme.

Anna Fleming, chief operating officer at AXA UK Retail Insurance, said: “Relocating to Six Centre Square means we can provide a better working environment for staff by offering greater flexibility and a range of wellbeing solutions in a building which will lead the way in energy efficiency and sustainability

“We’re proud to continue showing our support and commitment to Middlesbrough and its ongoing regeneration.”

The main contractor on the project is Bowmer + Kirkland (B + K), which is managing the scheme from its North East office in Sunderland. It has already engaged a number of local companies and estimates that about two-thirds of the people needed for the project will live locally.

Ed Besford, B+K NE and Scotland regional director, said: “We are delighted to be working again with Ashall’s on the next development at Centre Square following our successful delivery of Centre Square phases 1 and 2. It is great to see the progression of this scheme and the benefits this will undoubtedly have on the local economy.”

Further phases of the Centre Square development are already planned. Last summer Middlesbrough Council’s Planning and Development Committee approved an outline plan for three more buildings which will provide space for another 1,000 office staff.

When the Centre Square development started in 2017 it was estimated that it would deliver an additional £92.4m each year to the local economy. That has now been revised to more than £120m.