Work has started on building a new employment and skills hub which aims to encourage new business start-ups.

Construction work started on Monday at Temperance Square, in Loftus, on the corner of the main junction known locally as “Forbuoys Corner”. It is scheduled for completion in early 2025.

The aim of the project is to reduce unemployment numbers within Loftus and wider East Cleveland, encourage new business start-ups and increase the number of training and skills courses on offer.

Darlington and Stockton Times:

The single-storey building will be purpose built for training and working with relevant partners such as Jobcentre Plus and Beyond Housing. Parking will be provided at the side at Newcomen Terrace where the building entrance is to be located.

There are no road closures scheduled for the works at this stage, but a footpath will need to be closed for a period of time.

A total of £1.8m of the Government’s Future High Streets Fund has been dedicated to this scheme, as well as £1.3m of funding administered by the Tees Valley Combined Authority.

Darlington and Stockton Times: The centre of Loftus is undergoing major redevelopment work

Cllr Lynn Pallister, Cabinet member for growth and enterprise at Redcar and Cleveland Council, said: “Helping local people get the skills and training they need for quality jobs is vitally important, and will only benefit our local businesses and communities.

“I’d like to thank the people of Loftus who have been so incredibly patient while works have been carried out, but they will soon see amazing progress and hopefully it will all have been worth it.”

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen added: “We're arming more of our people with the skills and support they need every day and I'm proud we're continuing that charge in the heart of Loftus."