Gresham regeneration criticised by MP as 'slapdash'

Middlesbrough MP Andy McDonald has called for a pause on plans to regenerate Gresham

Middlesbrough's MP has called for a pause in a town centre regeneration plan, saying there are a "million questions" hanging over it.

Developers for the £120m Gresham project are expected to be appointed at a meeting on Wednesday.

But MP Andy McDonald and the town's Mayor, Chris Cooke, have raised significant concerns about the scheme.

In response, Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen dismissed criticisms as an attempt to "smear and delay".

Earlier this month, Edinburgh-based Tarras Park Properties and Stockton's iMpeC Developments were announced as the scheme's preferred developers.

Middlesbrough Development Corporation's board is expected to approve their appointment later.

But Mr McDonald has viewed provisional plans and described the scheme as "slapdash", adding: "There are a million questions that need answering and they should be worked through with Middlesbrough Council and consultation with residents.

"If we are to make a success of any new project, we need a transparent process with all partners pulling in the same direction and working for a clear goal.

"The sensible approach here would be to pause and take stock, get all partners and stakeholders around the table and develop a scheme which everyone has contributed to and believes in."

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen accused Middlesbrough's MP of delaying progress

Mr Houchen, the Conservative Tees Valley Mayor, described the MP's intervention as "astonishing".

He accused Mr McDonald of trying to "smear and delay progress in the town", adding: "Gresham has stood derelict for decades and at the exact moment we put money behind it he is looking to put a stop to it.

"It would be laughable if it wasn't so frustrating and damaging."

Middlesbrough Development Corporation (MDC) forms part of the mayoral-led Tees Valley Combined Authority and was established earlier this year as the local planning authority for some parts of the town.

'Repeatedly blindsided'

Middlesbrough's Labour Mayor Chris Cooke said the Gresham plans were drawn up without the involvement of the council.

He set out his concerns in a letter to Mr Houchen on Tuesday.

Mr Cooke said the local authority is being "repeatedly blindsided" in relation to MDC and the development corporation is potentially missing out on expertise and knowledge that a closer relationship with the council could provide.

He added: "I believe the MDC has the potential to transform our town.

"That potential will only be realised, however, if the MDC works closely with the Council for the good of our residents."

Papers published ahead of Wednesday's meeting reveal the plans put forward by MDC's preferred developers - which are not published - are indicative of what could be delivered and "may not illustrate what will be delivered".