PLANS to transform the site of a doomed steelworks have been unveiled for the first time this morning.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen heralded the day as the “beginning of a new era of economic development in Tees Valley” as he joined regional business leaders, political figures and members of the public, to launch the draft Master Plan for the South Tees Development Corporation (STDC) at a special event in Redcar.

The 25-year plan sets out the STDC’s regeneration goals for the area, which Mr Houchen claims has the potential to bring 20,000 jobs to the area, as well as add an additional £1bn per year to the local economy.

The Master Plan includes proposals to turn the site into a “world class” industrial business park, which will see the development of more than 2,000 acres of brownfield land, as well as 25 miles of new road infrastructure, and 31 miles of rail infrastructure improvements.

The plans propose demolishing the site of the former SSI steelworks by 2023 – with work starting next year.

However, the STDC propose maintain a 20-acre site containing the Redcar blast furnace for heritage purposes – which will see it “dramatically” lit up at night.

Proposals also include turning the Steel House building into a research and innovation centre, the expansion and renovation of port facilities – including South Bank Wharf, a test track for driverless cars, and the creation of a nature reserve, a heritage trial extension, and the inclusion of beach huts along South Gare.

The plans for transport infrastructure improvements include an extension of Eston Road, a new roundabout on the A66 via Dockside Road, and creating a number of dual carriageways across the site.

New freight and passenger rail facilities and connections have also been proposed.

The Northern Echo understands the land where the development is proposed is still owned by SSI-IL (SSI in liquidation), Tata Steel, Redcar Bulk Terminal and British Steel.

The STDC say it is a “critical priority” to assemble the land “as early as practically possible” - through direct ownership or partnering arrangements.

The STDC Masterplan says: “One of the key constraints to the plan is that although the number of owners is few, the land ownership pattern is fragmented, notably between SSIIL and Tata Steel.”

Speaking about the plan this morning, Mr Houchen said it was not a “pie in the sky wish list” but based on “genuine investor interest”.

“This is the single greatest Development opportunity in the UK right now - the vision of the Development Corporation will see the area completely transformed into a hotbed of new industry with sustained economic growth and prosperity for the region.

“Covering more than 4,500 acres and home to the deepest port on the East coast, it has already attracted significant interest from investors across the globe. The opportunity alone stands to create 20,000 new jobs in skilled sectors with good salaries and is heavily focussed on the area’s key priorities in manufacturing and advanced technologies.

“Whilst this is a 25-year vision, we are all working flat out with investors and I am confident we will be making some very significant announcements in the next year; it’s a very exciting time for our region.”

Sue Jeffrey, Leader of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council and Vice Chair of the STDC, added: “The overnight closure of SSI in October 2015 was devastating for our local communities.

“We must now look forward and ensure the site is developed to its full potential so that well paid skilled jobs are available for local people.

“I urge residents and businesses to engage with the consultation exercise and let us know what you think to our plans - this is a huge opportunity for us all.”

Northern Powerhouse Minister Jake Berry added: “This is a crucial step to stimulate economic growth and regeneration across the Tees Valley. The South Tees Development Corporation is a key part of our plans for the Northern Powerhouse, as we seek to attract investment into Teesside and create quality jobs for local people.

“I recently discussed plans to boost the local economy with business leaders in Teesside and the Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen. I look forward to working with Ben as we make the most of this opportunity to attract new businesses to the area.”