New Eco-Park for the Tees Valley!

Issued: 28 January 2008

Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council is celebrating confirmation of £2.5million Single Programme funding from One NorthEast, the Regional Development Agency, for the construction of access and highway improvements to serve the first-ever Tees Valley 'Eco-Park'.

Working in partnership with Renew Tees Valley Ltd and Tees Valley Regeneration, the Council is planning an Eco-Park on a 53 hectare site off the A66 at South Bank to breathe new life into a derelict former steelworks site and potentially provide a new base for up to 20 renewables and recycling industry companies, creating up to 500 new jobs for the area.

Work is expected to begin by March in a phased development that will take place over several years.

Council Leader Councillor George Dunning said: "We are embracing a new wave of regeneration and confidence in Redcar & Cleveland and are very grateful for One NorthEast's seal of approval for this major new project."

The Council's Cabinet Member for Economic Development Councillor Mark Hannon said: "The proposed new Eco-Park builds on the national and international reputation of Redcar & Cleveland as an area for growth in the new emerging renewables and recycling industries.

"It will also improve the site with new buildings, access and highway improvements, and, importantly, create a new broad range of jobs for local residents."

Ed Rowley, Acting Director of Regeneration at One NorthEast, said: "The creation of the Eco-Park will not only breathe new life into a former derelict steelworks site but could create up to 500 new jobs. That's a fantastic boost for the workforce and economy of not only the Tees Valley but the region as a whole.

"This exciting and innovative project is yet another example of the North East leading the way in the development of the renewables sector, and will strengthen our bid to attract national and international companies into the region in the future."

Following public consultation, the North East company, Graphite Resources, is preparing plans for its 'anchor' development which is anticipated to cover approximately half of the new 'Eco-Park' site.

Graphite Resources Director, Michael Thompson, said: "The Council's vision will enable the area to become the first national strategic hub for this vital industry of the future; this funding accelerates the delivery of this asset for the region and Graphite Resources are proud to be a major part of it."

Acting Chief Executive of Renew Tees Valley Ltd., Peter Ellis, said: "The funding from One NorthEast is the key to this project, which the Borough Council and Renew Tees Valley devised. It will be a superb location for companies who will be able to integrate their operations and it will be one of the best in the country."

Chief Executive of Tees Valley Regeneration, Joe Docherty, said: "The Business Investment team at Tees Valley Regeneration has been working closely with Graphite Resources and the other partner organisations from the inception of the Eco-Park and as such we are delighted with the confirmation of funding.

"This is an incredibly exciting project with enormous opportunities for new, high tech recycling industries to locate in a first class, purpose built environment. We look forward to continuing this working relationship to promote and attract further inward investment to the Tees Valley."

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