Work on delayed project to start

Further phases of the development are due to be announced

Building work is due to start on a major project to breathe new life into an area of Teesside.

The first phase of the scheme to transform the 200-acre Middlehaven site on the River Tees will begin in July.

The first building will be an office development and there are also plans for houses, apartment, education and leisure facilities.

Office spaces will be ready to let by next March, 15 years after the project was first discussed.

Tees Valley Regeneration chief executive Joe Docherty said: "I think people in Middlesbrough have waited for too long for this, so it is good news for the town."

The site is next to Middlesbrough town centre and includes the Riverside Stadium.

He said the office building is expected to create space for up to 1,000 jobs and will have bar and restaurant facilities.

They are in talks with a number of organisations who might be interested in moving into the building.