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The £200 million transformation of the Middlehaven area of Middlesbrough into RiversideOne has taken a further step forward with the announcement that County Durham-based Hall Construction Services has been appointed to deliver phase one of the £4m public realm works at the development.

Funded by English Partnerships and designed by international award-winning landscape firm Grant Associates in concert with artist Chris Edmunds, the high quality and sustainable first phase will embrace inspirational public art pieces. It will transform the area around the new Middlesbrough College, Bridge Street East, Dock Street and the Clock Tower Square whilst simultaneously creating a public performance space and events square.

Phase one features include super-sized seating combined with large lighting columns, to create stunning linkages from Middlesbrough station, leading down towards Bridge Street East and into the RiversideOne development. Hall Construction was selected for the project following a competitive tender process held by BioRegional Quintain, the developer of RiversideOne.

BioRegional Quintain’s managing director Pete Halsall said: “One of our sustainable principles involves sourcing skills, resources and contractors locally wherever possible. Hall Construction has an excellent reputation for its delivery of construction projects and together we share the same aspirations for making RiversideOne a cultural focal point for Middlesbrough.”

Lighting and street furniture at RiversideOne will complement distinctive pavement patterns in a vibrant colour palette.  Imaginative greenery, planted pergolas and super arbours will create welcoming public spaces for people to enjoy.  The designs have been created to maximise the local and historical landscape, enhancing the riverside views towards the dock. 

Hall Construction managing director Stephen Hall said: “This is a hugely prestigious project to be involved in and we are totally committed to delivering public realm at RiversideOne of the highest level of quality and sustainability. The vision that Grant Associates and Chris Edmunds have created is bold and exciting whilst evoking memories of the site’s heritage. We are looking forward to making their vision a reality.”

Creativity will be woven into the very fabric of the streetscape as local artists will be invited to contribute to ‘living poetry tree skirts’ and words will be transcribed into steel sculptures.

RiversideOne is part of Tees Valley Regeneration’s £500m redevelopment of the Middlehaven site. Joe Docherty, chief executive, said: “This initial phase will give people just a taste of what is to come at Middlehaven in the form of a brand new open space for them to enjoy.

“BioRegional Quintain is helping Tees Valley Regeneration fulfil its vision of a vibrant and exciting area packed with cultural and leisure activities as well as first class homes, offices and shops. We are delighted that Hall Construction, a well established company based here in the North East, has secured this contract.”

BioRegional Quintain has also announced details of the first residential building to be constructed at RiversideOne. Called CIAC (Community in a Cube) it will comprise 80 fashionable apartments spread across eight floors.

It will be the first of a number of futuristic residences to be built at RiversideOne. Featuring a mix of studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments and luxury homes on its top floor, CIAC will showcase innovations in building design and sustainability that BioRegional Quintain will deliver at RiversideOne.

A selection of CIAC properties will be released for sale early in 2008.  However, potential residents can register their interest now or call the RiversideOne sales team on 0808 1722 430.