PLANS for a 4.5 million sq ft state-of-the-art manufacturing space on the site of the former SSI steelworks in Redcar, which could create 9,000 jobs, have today been submitted by the South Tees Development Corporation.

The scheme, led by Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen, would see more than 430 acres of land alongside the River Tees remediated and developed into a world-class manufacturing zone.

It is hoped it could welcome its first tenants as soon as 2022.

The construction phase of the development would create 1,000 construction jobs during its eight-year build, with 9,000 more in permanent roles when complete.

The plans, submitted to Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, come three months after Mr Houchen succeeded in his bid to secure the former SSI steelworks through a compulsory purchase order.

The Northern Echo:

The former SSI site, where work has started Picture: Dave Charnley

Mr Houchen said: “This is the biggest planning application in the North of England. We have worked tirelessly to take ownership of this site to allow us to get on with my plan for jobs, creating good quality, high skilled local jobs for local workers.

“When I started CPO proceedings against SSI and the three Thai banks, I was clear that we owed it to the former steelworkers and their families to secure the site for the people of Teesside so that we could redevelop it and see jobs return to the site.

“This planning application represents a huge step forward in reaching this goal.”

He added: “To give this some scale, it is more than three times the size of the new Amazon fulfilment centre that opened in Darlington earlier this year.”

Jacob Young, Conservative MP for Redcar and South Tees, said: “The fact this is coming so soon following the successful compulsory purchase order of the final parcels of land at the site just goes to show that not a second has been wasted in moving forward with these plans for the site.

“Ultimately, this application means thousands of real jobs for local people.

“This isn’t just talk, this is happening – and at pace.”

Councillor Mary Lanigan, leader of Redcar and Cleveland Council, added: “This planning application has the potential to create over 9,000 highly skilled jobs for local people and achieve significant inward investment on the STDC site, which is vital for the future prosperity of the area and the region.”

The South Tees Development Corporation is the first Mayoral Development Corporation outside of London. It has been set up to promote the economic growth and commercial development of Tees Valley by converting assets in the South Tees area into opportunities for business investment and economic growth.

The STDC area covers approximately 4,500 acres of land to the south of the River Tees, in the borough of Redcar and Cleveland, and includes former SSI steelworks site as well as other industrial assets.