Lord Heseltine unveils Tees Valley masterplan
The former Deputy Prime Minister spent time in the region following the closure of SSI last year and has made a number of recommendations.
Lord Heseltine set out his recommendations to accelerate the transformation of the Tees Valley back into an economic powerhouse.
The former Deputy Prime Minister has made a series of suggestions for local government leaders, about how they can build on the area's industrial heritage and build a brighter future.
The report was commissioned by the government after Lord Heseltine spent a number of months visiting the region following the closure of SSI.
He met with local government leaders, businesses and investors, resulting in this report.
It sets out a number of key suggestions in a number of different areas.
Industry
Lord Heseltine suggests the government work closely with the Department of Work and Pensions and HMRC to plan for 'economic shock' like that at SSI.
Growth and Regeneration
The former Deputy PM wants the local employers and education centres to consider the need for a University Technical College or Insititute of Technology.
He suggests visiting German cities to assess how the Tees Valley can compete with these companies.
Education and Skills
Here Lord Heseltine mentions the Technical College again, while ensuring the Tees Valley is a priority in the National Teaching Service plan, to get talented teachers into struggling schools.
He suggests local authorities continue to send out letters to leaders of failing schools.
Energy economy
Recommendations are made for Teesside to develop a new 'business case' following the closure of SSI, looking at Carbon Capture Storage in the area.
The report suggests Hartlepool Council should consider if the new nuclear site at Hartlepool could host a Small Modular Reactor.
Housing
Heseltine calls for more starter home sites to fast-track first time buyers.
Transport
The report recommends considering further additions to the A19 Norton-Wynyard widening scheme already planned by Highway England.
Lord Heseltine is keen for local authorities to consider the redevelopment of Darlington Train Station as " a key gateway for the Tees Valley" and for the Transpenine electrification scheme to be extended.
Leisure and Tourism
The former Deputy PM wants to see the region moving away from relying on historic industrial imagery in marketing campaigns, instead building a new local identity and brand.
Former Deputy Prime Minister Lord Heseltine said:
“Tees Valley has shown time and again that spirit and skill are the essential ingredients for a successful Northern Powerhouse. This area has flown the flag for Britain around the world for centuries, and is now looking to make its mark in sectors as diverse as advanced manufacturing, energy, chemicals and processing, digital and logistics.
“The region is ready as ever to deliver in a global marketplace and I set out today how we can support this admirable ambition for it to once again assert its character on the world stage. I have been impressed by the determination of local people to lead this opportunity, and am looking forward to seeing their ambitions realised and the economic benefits this will bring not just for the Tees Valley or Northern Powerhouse, but for the country as a whole.”
Northern Powerhouse Minister James Wharton said:
“This Government is committed to rebalancing the economy by creating a Northern Powerhouse - the Tees Valley, with its great vitality of spirit, is a key part of that. The history and heritage of this area is well known, as it was the heartbeat of the first industrial revolution. I look forward to working with local leaders and colleagues across the Government to ensure the full potential of this area is realised once again.”
Councillor Sue Jeffrey, leader of Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council and outgoing chair of the Tees Valley Combined Authority, said:
“Lord Heseltine has taken a step back from the day-to-day and looked at our progress and our potential at a time when the growth in our economy has been hit by the devastating blow of the SSI closure and other job losses.
“His findings confirm that our economic foundations are sound, our local capacity is strong and our plans for future success are well drawn. He also makes it clear that delivering sustainable growth and prosperity can only be done in partnership and with adequate support from Government. I look forward to working with local leaders in all sectors and with Government to ensure that we make the most of the opportunities provided by his report.”