Demolition work is today (1 March) due to begin on the former Redcar Steelworks Coal Handling Facility, on a site earmarked to become one of the free zones in Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen’s Freeports bid.

The demolition of the facility, originally constructed in the 1970s, will be the first project to take place on the former ironmaking complex at the eastern, Redcar, side of the site.

When cleared this area will become central to plans for a Freeport in the region which, if approved by Government as part the Budget on Wednesday, could create up to 18,000 jobs, deliver £3.4billion to our regional economy and support our offshore wind, clean energy, chemicals and process, and advanced manufacturing sectors.

Areas given Freeport status within the region would benefit from a wide package of tax reliefs, simplified customs procedures, streamlined planning processes to boost redevelopment and government support to promote regeneration and innovation.

Contractors from MGL Demolition have rolled on-site today to carry out the 15-week demolition programme, with the project set to create 20 jobs – on top of a further ten roles on the site being advertised and up for grabs today.

These new, high-quality jobs working to deliver the vision for the 4,500-acre site include a range of posts including Engineering Planner, Fuel Technician, Environment Advisor, Mechanical Engineer and Electrical Craftsman.

Mayor Houchen said: “A Freeport would be a game-changer for the region, turbocharging our economy and will lead to the creation of thousands of good-quality well paid jobs for local people from across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool. That’s why I’m so excited that we’re getting the site ready now, with the Coal Handling Facility the first to go, clearing the path, quite literally for this massive opportunity.

“Hopefully the decision on where the UK’s Freeports will be set up will come as part of the Chancellor’s Budget on Wednesday and no place is better placed to take advantage of Freeport status that Teesside. The Teesside Freeport will help to transform the Teesworks site – and sites across our five boroughs – making us the go-to place for engineering, chemicals and processing, boosting our international reputation and drawing even more inward investment to our area.

“This demolition is also creating the good-quality jobs that we need right now in the face of the coronavirus and I’m also delighted to announce applications are also open for another ten jobs on the site. There’s a whole range of roles, from practical, hands-on jobs to more strategic management posts, really something for everyone.

“I’d urge anyone to take a look and consider joining the fantastic team already in place at Teesworks to help revitalise our region for generations to come.”

Councillor Mary Lanigan, Leader of Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, said: “This is another important step on the road in our journey making sure Teesworks fulfils its potential as a globally important industrial site providing quality jobs right here in our borough. We will continue to work with all our partners and Government in the push to become a Freeport which would be a huge benefit to the entire region.”

For more information on the jobs available or to find out how to apply, visit www.Teesworks.co.uk/jobs