Major step forward as first building reaches practical completion at Centre Square

Ashall Projects gathered with key stakeholders last week to celebrate the practical completion of the first building within the Centre Square development in Middlesbrough.

The team behind the project launched the first building with an event   giving insights into the building, the wider scheme, the current market climate and what is next to come in Middlesbrough.

The 210,000 sq ft flagship scheme will create a 21st century business destination, as well as a vibrant and iconic new civic space in the heart of Middlesbrough.

The first building offers 34,000 sq ft of Grade A accommodation across three floors and is ready for occupation.

During the event Ashall unveiled a new presentation of life at Centre Square, bringing the scheme to life with a bespoke film. The film, created by local digital agency Ithica, sets the scene for the project and what to expect as it continues to develop. It highlights life at Centre Square for prospective occupiers - showcasing Tees Valley, Middlesbrough, the development and the surrounding amenity.

The scheme is expected to bring thousands of jobs into the city centre and transform the local economy. It is creating the best office accommodation between the buoyant commercial centres of Leeds and Newcastle.

The development has excellent access to bus and rail services. It is close to Teesside University, Middlesbrough College, Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art and town centre shops and amenities.

Mark Ashall of Ashall Projects said: “This major milestone is a significant development for the North East. We are also near completion of the second building within the wider development and our plans are beginning to really take shape.

“It is important for us to recognise all those involved in creating Centre Square, including the Design Team, Contractor and the Council, all of whom continue to work hard to fulfil its potential.  Celebrating this milestone on site was a fantastic way to recognise the hard work of the team and all our stakeholders.

“We wanted to create a film to showcase the transformative project and provide a vision of life at Centre Square for those who take occupation. The film presents not only an overview of the many exciting current developments in the region, it also highlights Middlesbrough’s emergence as a thriving hub, open and ready for business.”

Richard Wilson, senior associate with Middlesbrough-based chartered surveyors and property consultants Dodds Brown, said no new Grade A office space had been created in the town since the 2008 recession. As a result, many companies were having to operate in sub-standard accommodation which made it difficult to attract new staff. Centre Square will change that.

“There is real excitement within the business community at what’s been created here. There is a growing realisation about the ambition of the town and how this will become the business hub for the Tees Valley. We are already seeing occupiers moving back into the town centre to be part of that.”