Work begins this week (Sept 3) on the first building which will show what life will be like at Middlehaven in Middlesbrough. The development’s marketing suite is being built on the site where the UK’s most environmentally friendly mixed-use project is being spearheaded by Tees Valley Regeneration.

The £200m development is being undertaken by BioRegional Quintain and work is now under way on the £350,000 marketing suite which will give a glimpse of the sort of accommodation and facilities Middlehaven will offer. Local firm DKS Architects was chosen from a selection of young designers from across the North East invited by Tees Valley Regeneration, BioRegional Quintain and CABE (the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment) to submit designs for a show apartment and marketing suite. 

The Stokesley-based company’s unique design for a cluster of linked cube-shaped buildings beat off stiff competition and a fast-track programme has now been put in place to ensure prompt completion of the project, with County Durham-based Hall Construction appointed to build the suite.

Mark Barlow, a partner in DKS, said the firm had been thrilled to be selected to develop the design for the flagship building.

He said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase our design strengths and contribute to BioRegional Quintain’s vision of a high profile sustainable community on the site.” Planning consent has been granted for the first two of nine futuristic ‘sugar cube’ buildings – featuring a mix of residential and commercial space - in the BioRegional Quintain masterplan, with work due to start on site before the end of the year. One has been designed by world renowned architect and site master-planner Will Alsop, and the second is designed by award-winning architects FAT.

Pete Halsall, managing director of BioRegional Quintain, said: “We were keen to involve local businesses in the project and the design by DKS will give local people and potential buyers a real insight into what the future holds for this exciting development.” Joe Docherty, chief executive of Tees Valley Regeneration, said: “Our vision of a world class development at Middlehaven is taking shape and the marketing suite and show apartment will give people a further insight into what life will be like at Middlehaven. “I’m delighted that a local firm should be the one chosen to realise that vision.”