‘Prosperity’ plan for Tees Valley launched

Titled “Our Plan for Regional Prosperity”, the ambitious document sets out the vision for Tees Valley – combining industrial strength, digital creativity and quality of life with confidence, distinctiveness and action, where people choose to live, study, work, visit and invest.

It was developed as a response to Government’s requirements for Mayoral Strategic Authorities to produce Local Growth Plans in support of the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy, setting out the priorities where devolved powers and funding will be focused.

Tees Valley’s plan moves a step further than the Government’s brief – ensuring economic growth is not the sole focus and that improving people’s lives remains the ultimate goal.

The plan details six priority packages – with five focusing on the distinct local authority areas, including building a vibrant creative and cultural economy centred on Hartlepool. A sixth package aims to enhance the River Tees and coastline as a regional unifying asset.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “Over the past 10 years, we’ve been putting the foundations in place that will help Hartlepool, Teesside and Darlington succeed like never before. We’ve invested in infrastructure, facilities, sites, transport and – most importantly – in our fantastic local businesses and people. We have seen just how far we’ve come – and now is the time to plot a course for the next 10 years. To outline how our cutting-edge industries will lead the UK in digital, clean energy, life sciences, advanced manufacturing and chemicals and process – doing what we do best through innovation, skills and collaboration.”

He added: “It puts our people and their quality of life front and centre, making sure they get the best opportunities to get ahead, while making the region that built the world unstoppable once again.”

As the plan moves into delivery, there will be opportunities for businesses, community groups and individuals to become involved and inform how it develops and is implemented.