Crown Square Unveiled To Breathe New Life Into Heart Of Middlesbrough
Written by Aaron Kearney on 30 May 2025
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A landmark regeneration to breathe new life into the heart of Middlesbrough with high-quality developments has been officially launched at a prestigious property event.
Crown Square was unveiled as the name and brand behind the £200million vision in Gresham and central Middlesbrough at major national property event UKREiiF, on Tuesday afternoon (20 May).
More than 230 build-to-rent properties and student accommodation for more than 400 people are among Crown Square’s first landmark strides – with one of the country’s first Fairfield by Marriott hotels being built to meet unmet demand at the entrance to the town on from the A66.
Leaders, property developers and business owners heard about Crown Square’s part in the ambitious vision to create 1,500 new homes, 4,000 jobs and both attract and retain talent in the town.
Developers iMpeC and Buccleuch Property have teamed up with the Middlesbrough Development Corporation to create the town’s biggest development in generations.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen was in attendance for Crown Square’s launch.
He said: “Middlesbrough has been in dire need of action for generations – and now it has come. It’s great to see Crown Square launched – with building work and hoardings going up around these brilliant developments soon.
“The time for talk is over, and now we can start to see even more action on the ground to build on our massive strengths in digital industries and provide for our growing university. This will allow us to nurture our talent so our young people stay local and go far.
“We’ve got developers on board with a great hunger and a very good pedigree – and a brilliant vision for all to see. Now it’s time to put it into action and deliver what has been promised to Middlesbrough for so long – and I’d urge other businesses, developers and ambitious company owners to come with us.”
Crown Square’s first phase planning permission has now been secured.
Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke said: “This scheme, alongside all of the other projects led and supported by Middlesbrough Council such as our Local Plan, Captain Cook Square, the new Live Well Centre, STACK, the new Odeon Luxe cinema, and many others in the works, will deliver a town centre that is fit for the future.
“We will continue to work productively with partners to secure high quality redevelopment in our town centre and beyond.”
iMpeC Director Neil McMillan is leading the charge to make Crown Square a Northern beacon by building on the town’s strengths and gems it has to offer.
“This is a regeneration project,” said Neil.
“We’ve looked at the challenges in the town, but we’ve also identified and recognised some of the wonderful things going on.
“It has a major university which has just invested £280million pounds, some really rapidly growing digital businesses – and billions of pounds going into Teesworks creating jobs in advanced manufacturing.
“You’ve got a bustling professional services sector – so there are some wonderful things happening attracting people to work in and around the town.
“But ultimately, the town centre needs regenerating to both attract and retain those talented people.
“That is key.”
The new student accommodation block will be managed by a national operator with on-site concierge staff and cutting-edge social spaces.
A series of one, two, three bed apartments will make up the build-to-rent project – with lounge spaces, breakout areas for remote working and shared high-quality amenities, including a private gym.
Neil also explained how the new hotel – one of the country’s first by Fairfield by Marriott – will meet an unmet demand and make a statement on Borough Road as people come into Middlesbrough from the A66.
He said: “It’s the type of hotel brand you associate with successful towns and cities – it’ll one of the first things visitors will see as they arrive.”
When it came to the new Crown Square name, Neil explained how – alongside ensuring safety and security – honouring the area’s heritage was a high priority.
“It’s the history and heritage of this part of town,” he said.
“There’s The Crown itself – the old ABC – but all the streets in the area are names after jewels – and this was an important way of marking the past while also looking to the future.”
There will be more chance for the public and businesses to have their say soon – with a consultation on Crown Square’s second phase taking place in summer.
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