AN MP has said companies based at Wilton Centre will benefit from the unprecedented level of investment taking place there and in and around his constituency.

Jacob Young MP for Redcar's comments come after details were revealed of a major refurbishment, with nearly £2m being spent on a new entrance and reception area, two new restaurants and a collaboration space.

News of the work at Wilton Centre has been just one of a series of recent announcements confirming an unprecedented vote of confidence in the area.

Mr Young, who worked as a Process Operator on Wilton International site, adjacent to Wilton Centre, before being elected, said: “Wilton Centre is somewhere I know very well and I am therefore particularly pleased at the level of investment taking place there, and the plans look very impressive.

“This news is, of course, on top of the Chancellor’s announcement that Teesside would become a Freeport and the confirmation that wind turbine blades are going to be manufactured at Teesworks, creating thousands of jobs.

“I am extremely proud that my constituency is the focus of so many exciting developments which are going to provide fantastic opportunities for the local community for many years to come. Business creates more business and I am confident that any company based at Wilton Centre – or decides to move there – will see the benefit of being in the heart of such a vibrant economic area.”

Wilton Centre is home to a number of global multi-national scientific companies and has become increasingly attractive for businesses based in Teesside because of its facilities – ranging from a gym to a lecture theatre - ample parking and its capacity to meet flexible space demands for companies on site.

Occupiers - such as recruitment specialist Techconsult, for example - chose Wilton Centre not only because of what it provides for businesses but also its location.

Operations director, Sarah Taylor said: “It’s the logical place to be - in the heart of the industry we’re supplying and this area is just going to go from strength to strength. We will see the benefits of the investment in Wilton Centre. In particular, as a small business the reception area will really help create a great first impression for our customers.”

Lynas Engineers, a civil engineering and structural engineering design consultancy, came to Wilton Centre more than four years ago to be close to potential sources of work.

Managing Director, Rob Lynas said: “There’s a lot of businesses based in the building and close by as well, so there’s a really good network."