A new base to service a game changing Teesworks project has been approved.

Plans for an operations headquarters next to the upcoming South Bank Quay have been given the green light by planners at Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council.

The base will help service the huge quay with offices, a visitor reception, staff facilities, and meeting rooms, alongside a flexible open plan warehouse space.

It comes as the huge first 400 metre phase of the quay nears completion – with building work by UK contractor GRAHAM on track to be finished by the end of this calendar year.

The heavy-lift quay will support wider ambitions to make the site the UK’s premier offshore wind hub – serving SeAH Wind’s £450million monopile factory, and a raft of other investors on the site via access to the River Tees and the North Sea.

Teesworks Ltd will be responsible for making payments for the South Bank Quay £107million UK Infrastructure Bank loan with interest.

Martin Corney, Teesworks CEO, said: “This vital project will unlock access to the North Sea and help trigger thousands of jobs on the Teesworks site. I’m pleased with the progress I’m seeing – and this office hub will ensure we have what we need in place ready for the quay’s operation in 2024.

“We’re already seeing a good amount of interest from global companies in what we’re doing – and this is another example of us getting on with the job.”

Once building work on the quay is complete this year, efforts to secure licences and approval for the quay’s operation can begin – with the quay set to be operational in early summer 2024.

The new complex will see 53 parking spaces, including disabled and electric vehicle charging points – with access via a roundabout at Smith’s Dock Road.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen added: “I cannot understate how important our Joint Venture partners have been in ensuring the Teesworks site is buzzing with activity.

“All the pieces are falling into place for the South Bank Quay to serve Teesside – and this new hub will offer a modern and impressive base for visitors and staff.”

More details on the plans can be seen here: Planning Application Details (redcar-cleveland.gov.uk)