And the winner is . . .

Middlehaven has scooped an architecture “oscar” at one of the world’s most important property events.

The designs for the scheme last night went head-to-head with two other internationally renowned projects from all over the world at MIPIM in France.

And a team led by Tees Valley Regeneration, developer BioRegional Quintain and its architects Studio Egret West emerged as winners.

Middlehaven won the “big urban projects” category at the MIPIM (Architectural Review) Future Projects Awards against other short-listed projects Plot-Scape in Bursa, Turkey and the massive redevelopment of the King’s Cross Station area in London.

Being awarded the prestigious accolade is a brilliant start for Middlehaven – and will catapult Middlehaven, Middlesbrough and the wider Tees Valley onto a world stage.

MIPIM is the property business’ biggest event of the year and the awards are held in high regard. And for Middlehaven to beat off such notable international competition is a major coup.

Middlehaven also beat projects from Dublin, Hong Kong, St Petersburg, Mexico City, Paris and Kuala Lumpur.

Chief executive of Tees Valley Regeneration, Joe Docherty, is delighted that the scheme has won: “Just being nominated was a huge boost – to win is fantastic.

“There is no doubt that the plans for the site are innovative head-turning and sustainable. This is a huge deal in the property world.

“Our commitment to deliver the best at Middlehaven has been validated and we hope this will be the first of many awards that will boost the perception, aspiration and inward investment pulling-power of the Tees Valley,” he said.

Pete Halsall, managing director of BioRegional Quintain said "We believe that design excellence and distinctiveness drives competitive advantage in the market. Purchasers and occupiers are becoming much more interested in high quality environments - and in the protection of the environment.

“Middlehaven will be a fantastic - sustainable - location and a great place to work, play and live. The largest zero carbon development in the UK and the source of much pride and belief for the people of the Tees Valley

The BioRegional Quintain development will mean £200m in investment; around 1,000 new jobs; 750 homes designed by top architects; shops, stylish bars, cafés and restaurants and a luxury hotel.

David West, partner in Studio Egret West said: "It's great that such a bold, innovative and genuinely unique project has been recognised by an international jury.

“The project is a testimony to the courage and vision of both Tees Valley Regeneration and BioRegional Quintain to follow a differentiating path and their determination to create a new type of destination and home.

The scheme is also the product of an intense and enriching collaboration between numerous architects.  It heralds a bright future for the North East."

Ray Mallon, Middlesbrough’s elected Mayor said: “'This award is further proof that Middlesbrough is aiming high and hitting the target. It is a huge boost for the town and the Tees Valley.”

John Holmes, director of regeneration and tourism at One North East, said: "This is great news for Tees Valley Regeneration and everyone who has been involved in helping develop the Middlehaven site. It has taken time to get the right project in place but we are now starting to see the rewards.

"Bioregional Quintain will begin work on this exciting scheme later this year and with work already started on Middlesbrough College and tenants secured for Manhattan Gate, to get this award is the icing on the cake.

"One of the key reasons for attending MIPIM is to showcase the region's huge potential as well as the world-class projects already being developed here. This award will not only make people sit up and take notice of what is happening at Middlehaven but across the whole of the North East.”

David Hughes, regional director of English Partnerships, said: “The whole of the development industry is now challenged to reduce carbon emissions.

“It is fantastic that our partners in the Tees Valley have risen to this challenge at Middlehaven with one of the largest carbon zero schemes in the country.”

* Last week the first tenant of the new Manhattan Gate office buildings constructed by Terrace Hill at Middlehaven was announced. The Crown Prosecution Service will take half of the large building.

And almost 20,000 full and part time students are due to attend the new Middlesbrough College which is now under construction.

Meanwhile work on taking forward the rest of the huge Middlehaven site marches on under the leadership of Tees Valley Regeneration’s project director Sean Egan.

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