Digital hubs approved for Middlesbrough, Hartlepool
Ben Houchen’s Tees Valley Combined Authority has pledged more than £20m towards centres that will foster content creators and other media startups.
Middlesbrough’s new hub will build on the success of the town’s Boho digital cluster and cost between £7m and £10m.
In Hartlepool, some £3m to £5m will be spent on the Hartlepool Creative Production Hub as part of the Northern Studios and Production Village in the town.
A further £3m to £5m would be spent to equip both sites with shared technology infrastructure and equipment.
The final costs will be subject to the approval of business cases, with the hubs to be completed in 2029.
Plans for the two sites were backed as part of the £160m Tees Valley Investment Zone capital programme.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben 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 two facilities will operate as part of a connected system, with activity supported by region-wide business support, specialist technology access and industry engagement across the wider region.
Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke, TVCA member for growth, said: “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.”
