The site of the former Cleveland Transit bus depot on Parliament Road, Middlesbrough is now unrecognisable, as Siesta International Holidays and West Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Trust (WMNT) have teamed up to provide new business accommodation and improve the whole look of the area.
The site now boasts a bright, modern head office for Siesta plus seven business units available for rent thanks to a £1.9million investment from Siesta for the building work and a further £290,000 funding from WMNT for environmental improvements.
Paul Herbert, Managing Director of Siesta International Holidays said: “As I’m Middlesbrough born and bred I was keen to see a prestigious development here. We wanted something significant for the area that would benefit the business community and local people alike and that’s what this investment is providing.
“This development offers businesses a prime site that’s easily accessible, very close to Middlesbrough town centre and to major routes. I would urge any new business, or company looking to relocate, to come and visit the site.”
Joan Ford OBE, of WMNT said: “The investment from WMNT will improve the whole look of the area, with a large part of the site being landscaped. Residents who’ve had views of the derelict buildings for many years will soon have a more attractive green space to look out over along Parliament Road with grassed areas, shrubs, trees and sympathetic lighting.
“We aim not only to improve how the site looks but how it feels, helping local people feel safer when they’re out and about.”
The development was made possible through the transfer of land from Middlesbrough Council.
Councillor David Budd, Executive Member for Regeneration, said: “This impressive development will complement the work that is already going on to regenerate the town centre and surrounding communities. It is a major investment in an area that’s going to have a brighter future. It is the culmination of a great deal of hard work by many organisations and I wish Siesta well in their new base."
The WMNT investment adds to other environmental improvements residents identified in the Newport area that the organisation has funded. These include a full revamp of close-by Laycock Park, building a new resource centre on a derelict site and the installation of an all-weather sports pitch.
Any organisations that would like more information about the new business units, or that would like to arrange a viewing, can contact Storeys: SSP on (01642) 230800.
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Issued by Helen Mellor, WMNT Marketing and Communications Coordinator on (01642) 757870.