A bold new strategic vision for the region to create jobs, boost growth and drive investment across Tees Valley has been agreed.

Titled “Our Plan for Regional Prosperity”, the document sets out the vision for Tees Valley – combining industrial strength, digital creativity and quality of life with confidence, distinctiveness and action, where people choose to live, study, work, visit and invest.

It was developed as a response to Government’s requirements for Mayoral Strategic Authorities to produce Local Growth Plans in support of the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy, setting out the priorities where devolved powers and funding will be focused.

Tees Valley’s plan moves a step further than Government’s brief, ensuring economic growth is not the sole focus, and that improving the lives of local people remains the ultimate goal.

The plan details six priority packages under Tees Valley’s refreshed Investment Pipeline. Five focus on our distinct local authority areas, including transforming Darlington into a highly connected regional entry point; developing a major heath and care cluster at Stockton and Tees Central; positioning Middlesbrough as a leading digital and tech hub; building a vibrant creative and cultural economy centred on Hartlepool; and expanding the globally significant industrial clusters in Redcar & Cleveland. A sixth package will enhance the river Tees and coastline as a regional unifying asset.

The plan was formally approved by the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority Cabinet on Friday (June 26).

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “Over the past ten years, we’ve been putting the foundations in place that will help Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool succeed like never before. We’ve invested in infrastructure, facilities, sites, transport and – most importantly – in our fantastic local businesses and people.

“We have seen just how far we’ve come, and now is the time to plot a course for the next ten years. To outline how our cutting-edge industries will lead the UK in digital, clean energy, life sciences, advanced manufacturing and chemicals and process – doing what we do best through innovation, skills and collaboration.

“It puts our people and their quality of life front and centre, making sure they get the best opportunities to get ahead, while making the region that built the world unstoppable once again.”

The plan was developed by the Combined Authority alongside the five constituent Local Authorities and the Tees Valley Business Board, with input from the wider business community and the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector and other key stakeholders.

As the plan moves into delivery, there will be opportunities for businesses, community groups and individuals to get involved and inform how it develops and is implemented.