Front and Centre
Centre Square - The place to be for forward-thinking businesses
Middlesbrough's Centre Square is at the heart of a second transformation sweeping through the Tees Valley.
Two hundred years ago the area was one of the cradles of the industrial revolution which changed the world. Today, we are at the start of a second – green – revolution and Centre Square is right there at the hub of it.
Back in the 1850s Teesside was being described as the “iron-smelting centre of the world” after iron ore was discovered in the Cleveland hills which overlook Middlesbrough. Later on locally produced steel was used to build bridges over the River Tyne and Sydney Harbour. In the 20th century Teesside also became a key centre for petrochemical, chemical and pharmaceutical businesses, notably ICI and its supply chain.
Although the area is still home to world leading companies in these sectors, they now employ far fewer staff and there was a significant impact on the local economy as it gradually lost the traditional industries which had underpinned it for so long.
Now after some tough times Middlesbrough and the region is undergoing a further, exciting change. Nurtured and supported by leading educational institutions, such as Teesside University and Middlesbrough College, a burgeoning digital cluster has been created in the town.
At the same time Teesside is spearheading the UK’s green industrial revolution. A number of major projects have been announced, including Net Zero Teesside - a major power generation, carbon capture, utilisation and storage project led by bp - and a world-class manufacturing site for off-shore wind. Much of this activity will take place within the new Teesside Freeport which is anticipated to create 18,000 jobs over the next five years.
Great progress has also been made in delivering the necessary supporting infrastructure. Already the hub of the regional public transport network, an investment in Middlesbrough train station has led to the launch of a direct London service.
A short walk from the station a quieter transformation has been taking place. In Centre Square Middlesbrough now has significant Grade A office space which is both attracting major businesses and providing staff with the environment they demand in the wake of the pandemic.
But the need for this quality was recognised long before we had even heard of COVID.
Five years ago developer Mark Ashall, in partnership with Middlesbrough Council, launched the Centre Square project.
Over the past 20 years his company has developed projects with an investment value in excess of £500m, including the Holiday Inn Express which overlooks Centre Square.
“I spent a considerable amount of time in the town during that period and quickly realised there was a shortage of Grade A office space,” he said. “There were many good reasons for businesses to move to the area, but this lack of quality workspace meant that Middlesbrough was at a significant disadvantage.”
Centre Square was in the right place, near the town’s amenities and transport links, and he was convinced businesses would move there if spacious, light, energy efficient buildings were there as well. His assessment was correct.
Around a thousand people are now working in 1 and 2 Centre Square which are almost fully occupied by a mix of business and professional services companies.
Businesses who want to benefit from the green industrial revolution and a great working environment are moving to Centre Square.
Chris Jones of the Frazer-Nash Consultancy – which provides specialist support for the chemical process, rail and pharmaceutical industries – said: “We struggle to attract talent from the wider North East if we’re not near good transport links and being in the middle of town helps us hugely with that.”
GB Bank moved into 2 Centre Square after Easter. Liz Ferry – Investor and Community Relations – said: “Even when it was empty the space was beautiful. There was so much bright light and we wanted to incorporate that into the way we work.”
Although GB Bank’s employees can split their time between home or office working, extra desks had to be added because staff were so impressed by their new surroundings they wanted to spend more time there, she said.
Construction of a third Centre Square building is well underway and next year 450 staff from AXA UK will move there.
Some of them have already had a look round and they have also visited GB Bank’s offices to see what sort of working environment they are going to have.
“The light in a modern building makes you feel really positive about going to work,” said Jamie Simmons of AXA UK. “Rather than thinking home’s better, it will actually be a pleasure to come into the office – which will be a nice change.”
The Centre Square project will continue when AXA’s building is finished. Outline planning permission is already in place for a further phase.
“The pandemic changed the way many businesses use their offices and the standards they require to attract and retain their employees,” said Mr Ashall. “But we created Grade A office space in Middlesbrough because we knew that’s what the better companies wanted.
“Staff benefit from an abundance of natural light. Our buildings are sustainable (Breeam Excellent) and, really importantly right now, energy efficient (EPC A rated).
“If you work for one of the businesses in Centre Square – or are just visiting – you’re just a short walk from shops, restaurants, art galleries, concert venues and hotels,” said Mr Ashall, “and if you’re moving to the area – as many people will be from now on – you’ll be stunned by the spectacular nearby countryside and coastline and pleasantly surprised by the cost of housing as well.”