Masterplanner appointed for Stockton-on-Tees Care and Health Zone

Plans to create a nationally significant social care and health zone at Teesdale Business Park and the nearby Tees Marshalling Yards have taken a step forward.

Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council has appointed Arup Group Ltd to develop a masterplan for the area which will make up the Care and Health Innovation Zone.

"We've been working alongside partners to drive forward our plans, developing a series of workstreams to further develop the proposals for this site," said Councillor Nigel Cooke, the Council's Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing.

"Appointing Arup is an exciting development and shows our commitment to this ambitious project. 

"Arup will be looking at how best to unlock the site's potential, maximising the economic value of the land, providing a home for pioneering modern health and social care provision and improving connectivity between Thornaby and Stockton Town Centre."

The masterplan will take into account uses for the site and will consider social care and health services, sector-specific businesses, research, teaching and learning facilities and housing to meet local needs. 

It will need to provide a long-term strategy for the site and will consider the best way to transform it into a vibrant and successful place while contributing to the reduction of health inequalities in the Borough and Tees Valley. 

Stephen Wells, leader of the Stockton Office and Project Director, Arup, said: "Arup is committed to shaping Stockton's future and relish the opportunity to be part of transforming the Teesdale site, which is on the doorstep of our Stockton office. 

"We are excited to work with Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and Tees Valley Combined Authority in shaping the vision for the site, utilising our team's deep technical and global knowledge in masterplanning. We look forward to building on existing work to unlock the sites huge potential, creating jobs, stimulating the economy, and growing the health and social care sector."

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: "It's great to see this project moving forward, which will achieve significant health and wellbeing benefits to Stockton and the wider region as well as delivering high quality jobs and investment. 

"This is another example of how our area is leading the way in developing innovative schemes that are driving forward regeneration and providing opportunities for the future."