A planning application for a high quality residential and commercial development in Middlesbrough has been submitted this week and we are delighted to be leading on the delivery of the project for our clients Middlesbrough Development Company.

The former Tollesby shops site on Rievaulx Drive was acquired by Middlesbrough Development Company last year and has been stood derelict for 13 years. Complaints from local residents have mounted in recent years due to acts of vandalism taking place on the site and an undesirable route leading through the area which has led to security risks for local residents.

Our design proposals will therefore tackle these issues and transform the disused site into a mixed use development comprising of three uses; a ground floor retail space, a children’s nursery and 24 mixed one and two bedroom apartments.  The retail space will provide a much needed commercial boost to the street whilst the nursery will be key in meeting childcare needs across the Teesside area.

The design team have taken a contemporary and high quality approach to the scheme with each aspect of the design being delivered to nationally-recognised spatial standards. With the triple mixed use space, tailoring a bespoke design approach to utilise each area and meet the differing requirements of the spaces has also been essential in fulfilling Middlesbrough Development Company’s vision for the area, particularly in regard to how each facet of space will meet the needs of the end users.

Having established our third studio base in Middlesbrough’s Boho 5 building last year, we have since developed a successful working relationship with Middlesbrough Council and a number of local developers and are keen to further our presence in the region, this has included collaboration with Middlesbrough College and offering apprenticeships to students.

Due to the Covid-19 situation, a public consultation for the scheme was held online, with members of the public invited to submit their queries to Middlesbrough Development Company. The consultation has received a positive response from the public, with people keen to see investment being made in the local area and further provision of amenities for local residents.

Representative of Middlesbrough Development Company, Tony Dodds said, “It is fantastic to see the progress at the Tollesby site and we are delighted to have submitted a planning application to Middlesbrough Council. The scheme is another significant step in the wider regeneration of Middlesbrough and signifies the importance of investment into the area in order to achieve the cities goals. Middlesbrough Development Company are excited about the prospect of further investment into the city and future opportunities whereby we would be looking to deliver further schemes.”

Gradon’s Architectural Director, Chris Allan who has been leading the design of the scheme said, “It’s fantastic to see progress being made on the Tollesby project and hopefully with planning application being put forward, the scheme will provide a much needed injection of high end residential and commercial growth into the Tollesby area. Reaction to the scheme has so far been positive as local residents are keen for the area to be transformed. Once planning has been approved we will be progressing with the scheme into technical design and construction.”