“Big boost” for Gresham regeneration as construction contractor appointed

A “transformative” regeneration project in Middlesbrough has reached a “key milestone” with the appointment of a national construction firm to lead the development.

Family-owned Wates has been selected to oversee construction for the Gresham redevelopment in an abandoned area of central Middlesbrough, a project spearheaded by Middlesbrough Development Corporation (MDC) in partnership with developers iMpeC and Buccleuch Property.

Committed to engaging local contractors, bosses at Wates say the project will “make a lasting impact” to the regional economy.

David Wingfield, managing director for construction east at Wates, said: “We’ve been working in the centre of Middlesbrough for nearly a decade, helping cement the town as a key growth region in the North East through our work.

“The Gresham regeneration will help accelerate this potential even further, bringing a disused area back to life through the creation of community, and we’re incredibly proud to be appointed to deliver it.

“We firmly believe that large-scale regeneration projects should go beyond the lifecycle of a building, providing opportunities that can support communities for generations.

“We plan to deliver more than £50 million in social value to Middlesbrough through this scheme, aligning with our values to create thriving places and allowing us to make a lasting impact in the heart of the community.”

The initial phase of the ambitious scheme includes plans for a Fairfield by Marriott 200-bedroom hotel, over 230 build-to-rent homes and accommodation for 450 students. A planning application for this phase is expected in the coming weeks, with construction potentially starting in summer 2025, subject to approvals.

Leigh Cresswell, iMpeC director, added: “This development can be the catalyst to wide-scale public and private investment that will transform the centre of Middlesbrough.

“It will help the town’s digital community – the UK’s fastest-growing tech hub – as well as the thriving advanced manufacturing and professional services sectors to attract and retain talent.

“Following a formal tender process that attracted most of the UK’s major contractors, we are delighted to welcome Wates as a key part of the established project team.

“The appointment of the construction contractor is a key milestone in the development as we move towards the submission of planning approval.”

The broader initiative seeks to attract up to 4,000 jobs, support Teesside University's growth, and provide high-quality housing to retain talent, positioning Middlesbrough as a vibrant hub for living, learning and working.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen added: “We all know decades of failure have blighted Gresham but we’re now putting that right.

“Having a renowned contractor in Wates leading our push in the heart of Middlesbrough is a big boost.

“We’ve set a marker down in priming a Marriott hotel for Middlesbrough’s skyline and I’m now looking forward to seeing spades in the ground to bring more developments, more quality accommodation and more jobs to the town as soon as we can.”

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