More than 500 jobs remain in Middlesbrough after AXA move
The insurance giant has moved into the town's Six Centre Square
An insurance giant has officially moved into a brand-new office in the heart of Middlesbrough.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony with Middlesbrough Mayor and Tees Valley Combined Authority Cabinet Member Chris Cooke marked AXA UK moving into Six Centre Square on Thursday (17 August).
The firm is taking up more than half the space in the 40,000 sq ft building – hosting more than 500 of its Teesside staff.
Both this scheme and the wider Centre Square vision will play an important role in the future of Middlesbrough town centre.
The keys for the cutting-edge Grade A office space, built by developer Ashall Projects, were handed over to the Tees Valley Combined Authority and Tees Valley Mayor in February.
The TVCA has put £9.7million into the four-storey block while Middlesbrough Council contributed £2million of its £21.9million Towns Fund allocation from Central Government to the project.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said:
“Companies with ambition to grow or break new ground are now choosing Teesside as they’re sitting up and seeing the facilities we have to offer. It shows businesses they can do it here and don’t have to go to a city like Newcastle, Leeds or Manchester.
“Given all our success in bringing major Government departments and thousands of civil service jobs to Darlington, our investment in Six Centre Square made perfect sense and ensured a major employer stayed in the heart of Middlesbrough.
“Right across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool we’re opening the door to allow our younger people to forge paths to careers on our doorstep. Creating world-class offices like this is key to unlocking that vision and our Development Corporation in the town will play a vital role in fostering an environment where companies can thrive.”
Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke, who is also a member of the Tees Valley Combined Authority Cabinet, added:
“Centre Square has become a focal point for business on Teesside, and I’m delighted that companies like AXA recognise its long-term potential.
“The town centre is Middlesbrough’s engine room, and developments like this are helping to drive prosperity and create high quality skilled jobs for local people.”
Anna Fleming, Chief Operating Officer at AXA UK Retail Insurance, said:
“Relocating to Six Centre Square offers a range of benefits for our business and our people. Employees can enjoy an enhanced working environment with greater flexibility and a range of wellbeing solutions while AXA can be proud to occupy a building which leads the way in energy efficiency and sustainability.
“The move shows our continued support and commitment to Middlesbrough and its ongoing regeneration.”
Six Centre Square is the newest phase in the wider Centre Square scheme led by Ashall Projects which has already seen six companies employing more than 1,000 people move into the first two buildings in the development.
Ashall Projects Managing Director Mark Ashall is confident the remaining space in Six Centre Square will soon be taken.
He said:
“There is a great deal of interest and that is a reflection on both the standard of the building and the increased business activity taking place at Teesworks and throughout the Tees Valley.
“Employers are looking for high quality office space in central locations where there is good access to transport and amenities. This helps them attract and retain staff and that’s what Centre Square is delivering.”
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