THE developer given the task of building the first phase of a multi-million-pound Tees Valley regeneration project has received the final go-ahead.

Middlesbrough Council granted planning permission for Terrace Hill to start work on two buildings, each 36,245sq ft, and a 4,000sq ft brasserie to be built on the site. Work will begin early in the New Year.

Tees Valley Regeneration, English Partnerships, Middlesbrough Council and regional development agency One NorthEast are working to develop the Middlehaven site into a vibrant waterfront community for the Tees Valley. Terrace Hill's scheme will begin the regeneration of a disused 5.4-acre section of Middlehaven Dock, creating five office buildings, a brasserie, caf and bar. It also includes car parking arranged around a riverside promenade, landscaped courtyards and public squares.

Philip Leech, Terrace Hill director, said: "Middlehaven is one of the country's biggest and most ambitious waterfront developments, and we are delighted to be working closely with Tees Valley Regeneration and the other project partners to transform this key site into a thriving commercial area."