The developer of a multi-million pound office scheme which is transforming the heart of Middlesbrough says the letting of most of the remaining space will be concluded soon.

The first phase of the Centre Square development has already seen major employers move into two new buildings bringing 1,000 workers and announcing plans to recruit many more.

Despite the pandemic One and Two Centre Square are 90% occupied and the developer Ashall Projects has now had approval for an outline planning application for three more neighbouring buildings which will provide space for a further 1,000 office staff.

Director Mark Ashall said: “These projects are highly complex and never straightforward. But the first part of the development has been a great success, despite the impact of COVID, and it shows that Middlesbrough is open and ready for business.”

Project architect Sarah Sabin of Seymour Architecture said the impact of the development had already exceeded expectations.

The next stage anticipates a further 1,000 jobs and Ms Sabin said in total the project will deliver 33% more than the original estimate, along with a similar increase in local spend and business rates.