Tees Valley approves growth blueprint
Centred on regeneration and industrial investment, the strategy sets out a pipeline of regeneration, infrastructure, and economic development priorities across the region and has now been approved by the Combined Authority.
The document, Our Plan for Regional Prosperity, will guide investment and the use of devolved funding powers, while also meeting the government’s requirement for mayoral strategic authorities to produce local growth plans in support of the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy.
The strategy outlines six investment packages designed to drive development across the region’s five local authority areas, alongside a programme focused on unlocking the economic potential of the River Tees and coastline.
Among the priorities are plans to strengthen Darlington’s role as a regional transport gateway, establish a major health and care cluster across Stockton and Tees Central, expand Middlesbrough’s digital and technology sector, grow Hartlepool’s creative and cultural economy, and build on Redcar & Cleveland’s internationally significant industrial clusters.
The Combined Authority said the strategy goes beyond the government’s growth plan requirements by placing equal emphasis on improving quality of life alongside economic performance.
The plan has been developed in partnership with the five Tees Valley local authorities, the Tees Valley Business Board and representatives from the wider business, voluntary and community sectors.
With the strategy now formally adopted, the Combined Authority said delivery work will begin on the investment pipeline, with further opportunities for developers, businesses and local organisations to help shape individual projects as they come forward.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “Over the past 10 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 10 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.”
