The stories of iron and steel of Middlesbrough’s past will be celebrated thanks to a new project featuring the site of Tees Advanced Manufacturing Park (TeesAMP).

Located on the site of the former Newport Ironworks, TeesAMP will make a significant contribution to the Tees Valley economy, attracting manufacturing firms and highly skilled jobs to the region.

As works to bring the development to life are underway a team from historical consultancy Heritage Unlocked will document the site’s industrial heritage.

Stories of Middlesbrough’s iron and steel industry will be uncovered and new interpretations drawing upon historical material from the British Steel Collection held at Teesside Archives will be installed on site near the retained base of the old blast furnaces. 

The project will also see the creation of new educational resources centred on the history of the ironworks – as well as collaborations with other heritage sites and visitor attractions – giving schools, colleges and the general public access to the site.

Dr Tosh Warwick, owner of Heritage Unlocked, said: “We’re delighted to be working with the TeesAMP team to mark the heritage of the site.

“By exploring and profiling the history of the Newport Ironworks we will be providing an important link to the past as part of the new site and will help inspire pride in the area’s heritage as well as embracing the future.”

Geoff Hogg of Cleveland Property Investments, who is working with Middlesbrough Council and Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) to bring TeesAMP to life, said: “Middlesbrough’s industrial heritage was always going to play an important part in our redevelopment – it’s one of the main reasons manufacturers want to ‘make it in Middlesbrough’.  

“It’s great to be working with Heritage Unlocked to celebrate local historical points of interest as part of our development – so that TeesAMP’s past, and future, can be enjoyed by all.”

Phase one of TeesAMP will include 180,000 sq ft of space set in high quality, well-designed, high specification buildings in a quality landscaped environment.

Ongoing archaeological investigation is taking place in light of the historical significance of the site. Remains associated with the former ironworks are being recorded and assessed by Durham University and their findings will be published in due course.