Boho Breaks Through

Tuesday, 15th April 2008

Categories: Latest News

Work is underway on the flagship building for Middlesbrough's digital and creative business heart, the BoHo Zone.

BoHo One is the innovative and exciting building which will be the focus of the BoHo Zone, providing space for new digital and creative companies to grow, network and do business.

The £10million project was launched at a groundbreaking ceremony by Margaret Fay, chairman of One NorthEast, the regional development agency.

Work on the 3,200 square metre building is expected to take 18 months.

Xsite Architecture has produced an environmentally friendly design which is energy-efficient and will emit very low levels of CO2. The building has been designed also to use space very efficiently.

Margaret Fay, Chairman of One NorthEast, said: "I am delighted that work is starting on this exciting element of BoHo, a key strand of DigitalCity which is firmly placing the Tees Valley on the creative map.

"BoHo will offer a fostering approach for those who have gained their qualifications, by providing a community facility to help their businesses grow and prosper. And not only will it deliver a major boost to the local economy, it will also complement the redevelopment of Middlehaven, a project which itself is rejuvenating the Tees Valley."

Councillor Paul Thompson, Middlesbrough Council's executive member for economic development, added: "The BoHo Zone is central to the regeneration plans for Middlesbrough and the Tees Valley. Once completed this fantastic building will provide a place where young companies can start up, receive help and mentoring from established experts and meet other firms working in the same sector.

"Digital industries are blossoming around the world and there is no reason why Middlesbrough-based companies cannot be up there with the best of them. Teesside University has a tremendous reputation for promoting digital skills and the BoHo Zone is a place those students can move on to as their businesses grow"

BoHo One is only the first of three core buildings which will form the heart of the BoHo Zone, which will encourage private developers also to invest in that part of Middlesbrough.

Jonathan Blackie, Government Office for the North East regional director, said: "Projects such as BoHo are crucial, not just for Middlesbrough and Teesside, but for the wider region, recognising that there is a place for modern, forward looking, creative industries in the new North East."

Andrew Warwick, regional construction manager for contractor HBG Construction, added: "HBG is delighted to be part of the team that will create new opportunities for the local companies in the region. Having recently successfully delivered the Institute of Digital Innovation and the Centre for Creative Technologies, HBG will bring extensive experience to this exciting project."

Mark Hopgood, regional director, from international project management and cost consultants, Faithful+Gould said: "Faithful+Gould has an excellent reputation for delivering high profile regeneration projects such as this and is well placed to deal with the challenges that this scheme presents to us, including the construction being undertaken within a strict time period.

"Intrinsically committed to the local economy, the staff working on this groundbreaking project are from the region and, as such, bring a real passion for schemes on their doorstep. Our experience, coupled with the fact that we can draw on our international capability means that we deliver world class expertise, at a local level."

Further Information

Digital City Business