A VISION to transform a derelict area of a North-East town into a £17m media quarter could move a step closer if plans for a block of innovative apartments are approved.

Following the success of Newcastle’s creative cluster, in Pink Lane, comes Middlesbrough’s answer to Soho – the Boho zone.

Boho One, the flagship 3,200sq metres “digital city”

building is already under construction in the St Hilda’s area of the town, once a notorious red light district.

The application, which comes before Middlesbrough Council’s planning and development control committee today is for Boho Two, consisting of 20 “live-work” units aimed at tenants working within the digital or media industry.

The planning report states: “In many cases live/work accommodation creates employment that would not be possible or sustainable otherwise by providing affordable, flexible premises for small and medium enterprises and start-ups.

“Raising children while in employment is another such example. The provision of dedicated spaces within the house enables parents to find suitable working hours.”

The application, from social housing provider Erimus, would produce a creative cluster between the town centre and the Middlehaven regeneration project, near the Riverside Stadium.