Plans approved for Tees Valley creative hubs

Plans for two new digital and creative hubs in Tees Valley have been approved as part of a £160 million investment programme designed to help businesses grow and “spark more local jobs”.

Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen and cabinet members have backed the Investment Zone capital programme, including proposals for a Digital and Creative Enterprise and Innovation Hub in Middlesbrough and a Creative Production Hub in Hartlepool.

The Middlesbrough facility will build on the town’s established Boho digital cluster, providing space and support for businesses to innovate, grow and commercialise new ideas.

Meanwhile, Hartlepool’s hub will offer specialist facilities and shared equipment for creative production businesses, complementing plans for the Northern Studios and Production Village.

The Middlesbrough development is expected to cost between £7 million and £10 million, with £3 million to £5 million earmarked for Hartlepool.

A further £3 million to £5 million could be invested in shared technology and equipment across both sites.

Subject to final business case approvals, the hubs are expected to be completed in 2029.

Mayor Houchen said: “Successful digital and creative economies need the right mix of infrastructure, investment and talent.

“By creating these centres in Middlesbrough and Hartlepool, we’re backing businesses and making sure they can access the facilities they need closer to home.

“We’re world leaders in gaming, have a brilliant digital sector in Middlesbrough and Hartlepool is cementing itself as a key filmmaking centre in the north of England.

“These plans will help our businesses grow, spark more local jobs and build on our brilliant strengths – I’m looking forward to seeing spades in the ground.”

The wider £160 million Investment Zone programme aims to create more than 2000 jobs and potentially unlock £175 million of investment over the next decade.

Middlesbrough mayor Chris Cooke, Tees Valley Combined Authority cabinet member for finance, organisational improvement and business growth, added: “Middlesbrough has established itself as the home of our region’s digital sector with the Boho area supporting hundreds of businesses and highly skilled jobs.

“This approval provides a clear direction for the next stage of that development. 

“The proposed Digital & Creative Enterprise Hub will help growing companies access the space, facilities and support they need to develop new products, attract investment and create more opportunities for local people.

“Working alongside partners across the Tees Valley, we can strengthen the environment for innovation and give ambitious businesses the confidence to build and stay here.”

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