'Great news for Teesside' as freeport scheme approved

Plans for a significant development on one of Europe’s largest research and development sites have been given the go-ahead.

Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council has approved a blueprint for nearly 150,000sq ft of new technical and manufacturing space at the Wilton Centre, in Lazenby, near Redcar.

Bosses say the Wilton Freeport Development, located within the Teesside Freeport, will offer occupiers incentives such as reductions in stamp duty, business rates and National Insurance contributions. 

Managed by Pioneer Group, they add the project aims to create hundreds of new jobs and strengthen the region’s thriving biomanufacturing and biopharmaceutical sectors.

The new facilities will include 16 technical development units, a two-storey incubator with 14 fully equipped laboratories and additional office space.

The site will also feature a restaurant, wellbeing centre, lecture theatre and event spaces, which officials say will foster a collaborative environment for start-ups and established companies.

Toby Reid, Pioneer Group executive director, said: “Companies at the Wilton Centre are tackling a range of issues from difficult-to-recycle materials to removing fossil fuels from manufacturing processes. 

“The new development will allow more companies like these to get started and scale their processes, creating jobs and positively impacting the health of our planet.”

Steve Duffield, Wilton Centre site director, added: “This is great news for Teesside, the centre and the scientists, researchers and support staff who will hopefully be working here in the not too distant future. 

“The Wilton Centre is celebrating its 50th birthday this year, and while we’re looking back at the great times, we’re also looking forward to a very exciting future as these plans become reality.” 

The new development follows a study by CPI and Square One Law, which highlighted a critical shortage of laboratory space in the North East, as well as a recent announcement that the Wilton Centre was making available nearly 6000sq ft of lab space and 2000sq ft of office accommodation. 

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