Latest Teesside headlines straight to your inbox Subscribe Thank you for subscribing See our privacy notice Invalid Email

The first potential major development for a sprawling site on the banks of the Tees could be on the horizon.

As part of Heathrow Airport’s £16bn expansion plans, it’s proposed to create four UK logistic hubs, where components will be pre-assembled before delivery to the airport.

And on the “long list” for one of those hubs is the 4,500 acre South Tees Development Corporation site - 800 acres of which used to house the old Redcar steelworks.

News of the site’s long-listing has been welcomed on Teesside, with Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen saying the area’s “case is strong.”

Mr Houchen, who recently met Heathrow’s chief executive John Holland-Kaye and went through the proposal, said: “We always think big in the Tees Valley. We have the capability and capacity to deliver massive projects, and I am pleased Heathrow Airport have recognised this.

“Our case is strong because we have world-class expertise, excellent infrastructure, a pool of skilled and talented workers and the strong supply chain necessary to establish their Logistics Hub.

“The Heathrow Logistics Hub proposals complement perfectly with the South Tees Development Corporation’s emerging Master Plan for the area that supports industrial growth and job creation.”

The plan to have four “hubs” aims to make the Heathrow project more cost-effective and spread the investment’s financial benefits beyond the South-east.

Over the summer, the mayor and Combined Authority convened a collation of local businesses to submit a bid to establish the Tees Valley as the “go to” location.

If successful, it is expected to bring hundreds of jobs and significant opportunities for the local supply chain, stimulating growth across the area’s industrial heartland.

British Steel, Cleveland Bridge, PD Ports, AV Dawson, RBT, Deepdale Solutions and the North East England Chamber of Commerce are among the organisations backing the bid.

Redcar and Cleveland Council Leader, Councillor Sue Jeffrey, said: “Redcar is uniquely placed to be a logistics hub to Heathrow.

“Our area is seeing significant growth and global interest because of the huge potential we offer to businesses. We have the necessary skills and experience, great infrastructure and ambitious plans for future development and stand ready to support this investment.”

North East England Chamber of Commerce chief executive James Ramsbotham said: “We supported the Tees Valley’s proposal as the site has unique potential, with excellent port facilities and transport links, high quality industrial assets and the backing of the local business community.

“The Tees Valley already plays a substantial role in the global supply chains of construction projects around the world, and we believe the site can play that same crucial role in the expansion and on-going operation of Heathrow.”

Heathrow representatives will meet the mayor and view the proposed site in the New Year.