WORK on the proposed TeesAMP Advanced Manufacturing Park has moved a step closer after a contractor was appointed to deliver the project.

Robertson North East has been commissioned to construct phase one of the development and the first units will be ready for occupation in December.

Nationwide Structures, based in Stockton, has been appointed as steel fabricator and around 90 per cent of the 750 tonnes of steel will come from British Steel at Redcar.

Geoff Hogg of Cleveland Property Investments, who is working with Middlesbrough Council and Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) to bring the £55million park to life, said: “We are in talks with a number of companies who are interested in moving to TeesAMP – bringing high-quality advanced manufacturing jobs with them – and that’s what it’s all about.”

Cllr Lewis Young, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive member for Economic Development and Infrastructure, said: “I’m delighted to see this major new addition to the economy of the Tees Valley reach another important milestone.

“TeesAMP will bring long-lasting benefits in terms of jobs, skills, prosperity and further investment – and the appointment of a local steel contractor is just the latest boost to the local economy.”

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “It’s great that construction will soon begin, meaning the site will be transformed into a home for world-class innovative companies, bringing high-quality jobs for local people.

“I’m delighted that some of our brilliant Tees Valley businesses are being drafted in to provide their services, demonstrating how our investment is already working for the good of the region.”

Phase one will include high quality manufacturing and office accommodation across 14 units.

Robertson, one of the largest independently owned construction companies in the UK, has its North East headquarters in Gateshead.

Elliot Robertson, chief operating officer of Robertson Group, said: “The Tees Valley has an ambitious modern industrial strategy, and we are delighted to be part of such a crucial step in what is a nationally significant project.

“The jobs and investment TeesAMP will provide will deliver long-term prosperity for the region for generations to come.”

Garry Hope, managing director of Robertson North East, said: “We always seek to use as local a supply base as possible on our projects, and are pleased to have been able to sign two subcontractors located so close to the site.

“Given the strong steel heritage of the Tees Valley, it was particularly important that we were able to commission a local steel fabricator.”

Andy Dagnall, regional manager of Nationwide Structures said: “We aim to use as much local steel as possible – around 90 percent will come from British Steel in Redcar. I think that’s about as local as you can get.

“Sourcing local materials is a huge benefit to industry in the area and we’re delighted to have been appointed.”

Middlesbrough company Elemech has also been appointed to provide temporary electrics.