A unique opportunity to create bespoke accommodation at the heart of Middlesbrough’s flagship Middlehaven regeneration area was unveiled.
The prospectus for the Urban Pioneers project was formally launched on Monday 18 November by Middlesbrough Council and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).
The initiative is aimed at those looking for something over and above what mainstream builders can offer - the opportunity to create a building which really meets their needs, while saving on development costs.
Developments could include homes, active ground floors uses, offices or live-work units. Two sites – on either side of Cleveland Street – have been identified as ideal for the project.
The sites benefit from a great town centre location in Middlesbrough’s historic heart where the first pioneers laid their roots in the early 19th Century as the ‘Infant Hercules’ began to flex its industrial muscles.
In addition to excellent transport links, the units will face a fantastic new park that is being created in early 2014.
Full details are laid out in a prospectus that will be launched by the Executive Director of Neighbourhood and Communities, Kevin Parkes and Neil Graham, Head of Capital Development at the HCA.
The Urban Pioneers project is the first phase of the Middlehaven Development Framework which is a blueprint for the long-term development of the area as a key extension of the town centre. Under the scheme, the first pioneers will not have to buy the land up front but will benefit from serviced sites, saving them money and allowing them to get a head start on their custom-build projects.
Middlehaven has already seen major investment in creative, commercial and start-up businesses and new residential units and is now home to Middlesbrough College, CIAC and the myplace youth centre. Keiro Ltd’s new ‘Gateway’ neurological rehabilitation centre is due to open by the end of the year and the expansion of Middlesbrough College and the Boho Zone will commence next year.
Students from Middlesbrough College’s Engineering Department have designed a time capsule which will be buried beneath the first Urban Pioneers development. Initial ideas for the time capsule competition which will be launched in December have been put forward by A-Level History students and include a steel heart, a bottle of notes and photographs of Middlehaven before and after the development of the College.
Launching the new prospectus, Councillor Rooney said: "Great progress has already been made at Middlehaven, with the creation of 21st Century office accommodation alongside the very latest in residential design and the thriving Middlesbrough College development. Middlehaven represents the future, and this innovative project gives people the opportunity to take an active role in the regeneration of the area and create their own accommodation.”
Neil Graham, Head of Capital Programmes at the HCA, added: “Anyone who is interested in taking this opportunity should contact us for more information. We are able to offer interested people help and technical assistance. We are happy to work with potential pioneers to refine their proposals, give them pre-planning application advice and steer them towards the most appropriate financial support or mortgage.”
Disposal of the 14 self-build plots is now under way, and interested pioneers can download the prospectus and expression of interest form from the Middlehaven website.