Special Visitor Praises New Initiative
A PIONEERING scheme to boost the local Tees Valley economy by combining housing and business has welcomed a special visitor.
Robert Napier, Chairman of the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), the national body providing funding for affordable housing across the country, has seen first-hand the progress so far on Erimus Housing’s new Bohouse scheme in Middlesbrough.
The state-of-the-art development, which received HCA funding, will provide 20 vital live/work units for graduates from the creative and digital industries, enabling them to stay in the area and start up businesses of their own.
The scheme is part of the Boho zone which forms part of the acclaimed DigitalCity development, a new creative quarter in the heart of the town.
Mr Napier said: “The visit to the innovative Bohouse development was extremely informative. I really like the way quality housing has been combined with dedicated workspace which I’m sure will be a major factor in fostering the entrepreneurial spirit in the Tees Valley. Supporting the creative and digital sector in the region is really important as these new industries need to be encouraged and nurtured.
“I am really pleased to be here and to see first hand where HCA money is being spent and how it is successfully creating homes and jobs and a community with a long term future.”
The scheme, designed by Xsite Architecture, was launched in September by Middlesbrough Mayor Ray Mallon.
Bohouse is one of the first of its kind in the UK, with each apartment having a double bedroom and living area with kitchen and bathroom, as well as a workspace into which the front door opens.
Potential tenants will need to apply for an interview and make a proposal to show how their work is involved with the digital media sector and how they can fit into the DigitalCity network.
Chris Smith, Managing Director of Erimus Housing, part of Fabrick Housing Group, said: “We were delighted to welcome Mr Napier to see the work on our Bohouse development, a scheme which has received vital Homes and Communities Agency funding.
“This scheme brings a new element to Middlesbrough and the wider Tees Valley and offers an affordable choice for creative professionals which will in turn boost the local economy.”