The Tees Valley Combined Authority, together with its five local authority partners, took centre stage at UKREiiF (The UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum) in Leeds to showcase major schemes across Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar & Cleveland, and Stockton-on-Tees.
The Tees Valley is backed by more than £20.4 billion in investment across a broad portfolio of projects spanning advanced manufacturing, clean energy, town centre regeneration, and digital innovation.
Attendance at the Tees Valley stand was the highest since the Combined Authority began taking part in the event.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “UKREiiF is a fantastic platform to show the scale of ambition we have across Teesside, Darlington, and Hartlepool – and the sheer amount we have coming.
“We have a record of delivering huge projects – and it’s clear from the record attendance and level of interest we’ve seen that people are sitting up and taking notice.
“We’re delivering billions of pounds of investment, transforming our town centres, backing cutting-edge industries and creating real opportunities for businesses and residents alike.
“From the huge progress at Teesworks to major regeneration in our towns and the growth of our digital and creative sectors, we’re proving we are the most exciting place in the UK to invest, work, and do business.”
One of the headline schemes highlighted at the forum was the new CityHeart joint venture development in Darlington, which builds on the rapid expansion of the Government’s Economic Campus, the growing Science and Innovation Quarter, and the town’s new nine-figure railway station.
Details were shared on how CityHeart and Darlington Borough Council plan to support long-term growth in the town centre and create what leaders have described as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” for a well-connected, future-focused destination.
An investment reception hosted by the Tees Valley delegation gave investors the chance to meet decision-makers, developers, and regional partners directly.
The event spotlighted current investment opportunities and ongoing work with Teesside University to further accelerate growth in the digital and creative sectors.
A key point of discussion was the £160 million Tees Valley Investment Zone – the UK’s only such zone dedicated to digital and creative industries, with the potential to create up to 2,000 jobs.
Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke, who also serves as TVCA cabinet member for inward investment, finance, and housing, said: “UKREiiF is vital in helping us attract the investment, expertise, and partnerships we need to deliver real change in our towns.
“In Middlesbrough and across Tees Valley, we are bringing forward ambitious regeneration plans that will transform our town centres, create new opportunities and improve the places people live and work.
“By working closely with the private sector, we can unlock this potential, drive growth, and ensure our communities see the benefits for years to come.”
The forum also featured a packed three-day programme of presentations and discussions covering all five Tees Valley authority areas.
Stockton’s long-term vision to redevelop 110 hectares of land took centre stage, with plans for thousands of new homes, commercial space, a new Riverside Park, and a nationally significant Care and Health Innovation Zone.
The council is also set to launch a procurement process for up to 1,000 residential units across town centre sites as part of the Tees Central development under the PAGABO framework.
In Hartlepool, future ambitions to become a hub for TV and film production were under the spotlight.
Plans include a major expansion of the film studios and the creation of a Production Village, supported by the Tees Valley Investment Zone, Hartlepool Development Corporation, Hartlepool Borough Council, and North East Screen.
Redcar’s “Redcar Rising” vision was highlighted in a lively Q&A session with Brian Archer, Chief Executive of Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, and UKREiiF Director Matt Christie.
Their session outlined plans for a high-quality, mixed-use town centre featuring new retail, commercial, cultural, educational, and residential components.
Middlesbrough also featured prominently through a joint session with developer Capital & Centric and Mayor Cooke to outline its wider regeneration strategy.
The regional delegation made clear that Tees Valley not only has the ambition but also the capability to deliver complex, large-scale schemes quickly and effectively.
Examples included the £1 billion SeAH Wind monopile factory at Teesworks and emerging projects in advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and digital infrastructure.