Growth blueprint unveiled for Tees Valley

A new blueprint has been unveiled to boost investment, support businesses and create jobs across Tees Valley.

The Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) has formally adopted Our Plan for Regional Prosperity, a long-term vision setting out how devolved funding and powers will be used to drive economic growth across the region.

Developed in response to the Government’s requirement for Mayoral Strategic Authorities to produce Local Growth Plans, the strategy goes beyond economic targets by placing improved outcomes for local people at its heart.

The plan identifies six investment priorities. 

Five focus on the individual local authority areas, including strengthening Darlington as a regional gateway, developing a health and care cluster around Stockton and Tees Central, expanding Middlesbrough’s digital and technology sector, growing Hartlepool’s creative and cultural economy and building on Redcar & Cleveland’s globally significant industrial base.

A sixth priority aims to enhance the River Tees and coastline as a shared regional asset.

The strategy was approved by the Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen and the TVCA cabinet following collaboration with the region's five local authorities, the Tees Valley Business Board and representatives from the business, voluntary and community sectors.

As the plan moves into its delivery phase, businesses, community organisations and residents will have opportunities to help shape how projects are developed and implemented.

Mayor Houchen said: “Over the past ten years, we’ve been putting the foundations in place that will help Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool succeed like never before. 

“We’ve invested in infrastructure, facilities, sites, transport and – most importantly – in our fantastic local businesses and people.

“We have seen just how far we’ve come, and now is the time to plot a course for the next ten years. 

“To outline how our cutting-edge industries will lead the UK in digital, clean energy, life sciences, advanced manufacturing and chemicals and process – doing what we do best through innovation, skills and collaboration.

“It puts our people and their quality of life front and centre, making sure they get the best opportunities to get ahead, while making the region that built the world unstoppable once again.”

To read the Local Growth Plan, click here.

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