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There must be
a strategic framework to the Stockton - Middlesbrough Initiative
that underpins everything it does. Nothing will be allowed to happen
in isolation - it must all be part of the big picture. By creating
sustainable solutions using high-quality design the Initiative can
be both bold and ambitious but also based in reality. There are
four key stages to the Initiative's development framework that will
ensure this happens.
1. Expanding
the urban centres
The strategic
developments underway at Middlehaven and North Shore show this is
happening already. By operating collaboratively rather than competitively
the process of connecting the two towns has begun.
The gravitational
pull towards the inner core of the green-blue heart will see Middlesbrough
move to the west and north and Stockton spread to the east and south.
2. Creation
of the green-blue heart
The concept
of a green-blue heart running along the River Tees joining Stockton
and Middlesbrough is central to this project.
By developing
a radical 21st century service sector landscape in the River Tees
corridor the Stockton - Middlesbrough Initiative will create a unique
signature for the Tees Valley. This green-blue heart will be an
international asset and should set a new benchmark for urban landscape.
3. Connectivity
and infrastructure
The infrastructure
that links the two towns and the wider Tees Valley area must be
improved. By focusing on the priority needs of local traffic, such
as developing the cross-river road capacity, the dependency on the
A66/A19 axis will be removed, creating a more effective strategic
highway network.
The public transport
infrastructure that serves the Tees Valley and connects it to the
wider world also needs improving. LRT remains an attractive option
in the medium to long-term but the creation of new infrastructure
must also focus on public transport needs as a priority.
4. Development
At 3,000 hectares,
the scale of the land asset is vast, which means there is a need
to focus on key developments that add value to the Tees Valley rather
than competing with existing projects. Like the emphasis on quality,
the sequential nature of development is crucial to the long-term
success of the Stockton - Middlesbrough Initiative. A planned, phased
and collaborative approach is vital. The town centres come first,
and then the main focus must be on the inner core along the River
Tees.
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