Preparations are underway for a £200m ($268.4m) regeneration project in central Middlesbrough, according to the Middlesbrough Development Corporation in the UK.

The initiative, known as Crown Square, is set to transform a derelict site in Gresham into a new Fairfield by Marriott-branded hotel alongside accommodation for students and young professionals.

Contractor Wates has begun erecting hoardings at the site to facilitate preparatory groundwork, marking the first steps towards construction. This phase will pave the way for build-to-rent properties and student housing, alongside one of the first hotels of its brand in the UK.

Scaffolding will also be positioned on The Crown's exterior, located at Borough Road and Linthorpe Road, enabling the reopening of an adjacent footpath for pedestrian use.

Developers iMpeC and Buccleuch Property are collaborating with the Middlesbrough Development Corporation on this project, which is designed to establish 1,500 new homes and generate 4,000 jobs.

A decision regarding The Crown's future will be taken in subsequent development phases by the corporation's board.

Middlesbrough Development Corporation chair Tony Parkinson said: “This site is primed for regeneration and local people will now be pleased to see activity taking place.

“The Development Corporation continues to liaise closely with our development partners iMpeC and Buccleuch Property - with support from Middlesbrough Council - as we work together to deliver this huge investment which will bring massive benefits to the town.”

Wates was appointed in November 2024 to oversee the regeneration efforts aimed at revitalising the reportedly neglected area. The mayoral-led Middlesbrough Development Corporation is leading this initiative, with plans revealed in May 2025 at a national property event.

The aforementioned hotel aims to address unmet demand near the town’s A66 entrance.