Working improvements pay off

Jun 12 2007 By The Journal

Massive investment in two of Middlesbrough's main business areas has made them both better places to work and created more jobs. Riverside Park and East Middlesbrough Business Action Zone (EMBAZ) are two of the town's key centres of business, but both entered the new millennium in need of a facelift.

Improvement work at Riverside Park has persuaded businesses to stay on the site and expand, rather than move elsewhere.

Paul Thompson, executive member for economic development at Middlesbrough Council, said: "Creating a pleasant environment is essential to making people feel good about their work, to attract businesses and to give clients a good impression of Middlesbrough and the companies based here.

"The work we have done, both at Riverside Park and in EMBAZ, has allowed local companies to present a more professional image to the world and has made a real difference to the local economy."

In 2002 Middlesbrough Council put together a regeneration scheme for Riverside Park with more than £3m of funding from organisations across the North-East.

Phase two included a complete facelift for the site, which had been blighted by vandalism and fly tipping. More than 1,800 trees were planted, contemporary lighting was installed and security was greatly improved with the introduction of CCTV.

As part of the wider improvements, Teessaurus Park picnic area also received a facelift, creating a more pleasant environment for workers during their break times.

In addition more than £500,000 has been awarded in grants to allow businesses to improve access, security and the look of their own premises.

The businesses themselves put in almost £1m more towards these improvements.

One company owner commented: "It does make a difference. It is difficult to quantify but we do have people who come on site say `this has improved' and since we have had this done we have had a lot of feedback saying it looks a lot better."

Another added: "We only stuck here because of the lease and we would have moved. Now I have put the lease of the new building on hold.

"If we'd have moved we'd have stayed at five staff but, now I'm not moving, I'm looking at expanding to seven people."

At the beginning of the project only 40% of units were occupied and brownfield sites were undeveloped.

Since work was completed occupation levels have increased to 78%, and 80% of brownfield sites have been brought forward for development. The park is now home to more than 250 businesses which employ more than 4,000 people and it plays a major role in the prosperity of Middlesbrough.

Similar improvements have been made throughout EMBAZ, which includes Lawson Industrial Estate, East Middlesbrough Industrial Estate, Dockside Road and Cargo Fleet.

In this area, too, there have been environmental enhancements, better security, improved lighting and gateway improvements with the aim of increasing economic activity.

The scheme ran for two years, ending in April, and had a budget of £156,000.

Paul Thompson added: "Investment in both these areas has been a huge success and we are delighted that it has had such a positive impact and been so well received."