[lms]

Some good news. it looks like the old Council offices at Cargo Fleet are finally getting redeveloped after years of being empty

£1.5m Cargo Fleet building redevelopment to start
Oct 1 2010 Evening Gazette


PLANS to redevelop a landmark office building in Middlesbrough are back on track.

A £1.5m refurbishment of the Edwardian Cargo Fleet building gets underway on Monday - and owners Python Properties are hoping the project can kickstart the regeneration of the surrounding area.

The derelict three-storey building - formerly the headquarters of British Steel Teesside, followed by Redcar and Cleveland Council - will be restored to its former glory.

Top-quality office and business space will sit alongside a heritage centre, built in conjunction with Teesside University, displaying the area’s proud ironworks, steelmaking and ship-building history.

Python Properties first mooted the refurbishment plans in 2008, but bank funding was pulled when the recession hit.

“It’s taken nearly two years to get the project going again,” said Python Properties partner, Peter Broome, “but now we’re planning to open the doors by next March.


“The building is a well-known industrial landmark. It’s seen as a beacon development, which will, in our experience, have a knock-on effect of levering funding for other projects in the area. We’ve already had interest from businesses that want to take space.

“Steel making has always been at the heart of the region. The building has so much history we hope we’re in some way paying respect to our heritage.”

Python Properties, assisted by Tees Valley Unlimited, has secured a £400,000 grant from the Single Programme, awarded by One North East and matched with commercial funding from Santander Bank. The developer will also invest up to £750,000 in the project. Richard Buckley, director of delivery at Tees Valley Unlimited, said: “Cargo Fleet is one of Middlesbrough’s most recognisable buildings and I’m certain Python Properties will restore it to its former glory. The building is a key piece of the regeneration jigsaw across the town.”

Python Properties has successfully regenerated five major buildings in the North - the Royal Middlehaven House and The Cooperative Building, both in Middleborough, Maxwell’s Corner and The Town House in Stockton and Bank Quay House in Warrington.

Python Properties partner Martin Johnson, whose father worked in the building when it was owned by British Steel in the late 1960s, said: “Cargo Fleet, completely restored, will be a superb place to work and do business.”

The building was originally built by Cargo Fleet Iron Company in 1916.

 

[Newcastle Historian]

WORK TO START ON REGENERATION OF CARGO FLEET

Leading North East commercial developer Python Properties will begin work in October to redevelop the prestigious Cargo Fleet building to its former glory.

Middlesbrough-based Python Properties will redevelop the Cargo Fleet property - which was formerly the headquarters of British Steel Teesside and then subsequently Redcar and Cleveland Council - to top-quality office and business space and to its original, prestige status.

The extensive restoration project of the three-storey Edwardian building, built in the classic style, estimated to cost more than £1.5m, will involve creating 40,000 sq ft of business/office space primarily targeting local businesses and SMEs.

Working with Teesside University, Python Properties will also establish a heritage centre within the building, looking at the history of Ironworks, Steelmaking and Ship Building in this area.

There will also be an on-site bistro catering for the centre and the office tenants of the building.

Peter Broome, Python Properties partner, said: “The building is an industrial landmark in the region well known to many local people. It was originally built by Cargo Fleet Iron Company in 1916 and has so much history and stories. Steel making has always been at the heart of the region so we hope we are in some way paying respect to our heritage.

“The redevelopment has been described as a beacon project, which will not only restore the building to its former glory but will also inspire and help to regenerate the surrounding communities.”

Python Properties has secured grant funding from the Single Program fund of One North East and commercial funding from Santander Bank.

Martin Johnson, partner at Python Porperties added, “Python has now successfully regenerated five major buildings in the North. These are Royal Middlehaven House and The Cooperative Building, both in Middleborough, Maxwell’s Corner and The Town House in Stockton and Bank Quay House in Warrington.

“Cargo Fleet will be our sixth regeneration project and has actually been delayed more than two years by lack of bank funding due to the credit crunch. We are very pleased to be working with a new funder, Santander, and have found them to be both responsive and professional, and we expect this partnership to lead to more regeneration projects moving forward in the near future.

“Cargo Fleet, completely restored will be a superb place to work and do business. The regeneration will respect the buildings past with original features retained and restored, and the addition of a heritage centre. However, it will also look firmly forward with first-class office and business facilities. We believe the building will become a uniquely special place to work.”

Richard Buckley, Director of Delivery at Tees Valley Unlimited, said: “Cargo Fleet House is one of Middlesbrough’s most recognisable buildings and I’m certain Python Properties will restore it to its former glory.

“I am particularly pleased that Tees Valley Unlimited has played such a vital role in enabling this scheme to start – this building is a key piece of the regeneration jigsaw and one which complements the work going on across the town.”

Reservations are now being taken and flexible lease terms, including break clauses and rent free periods, are available. Bespoke office suites can be created within the property, ranging in size from 250 sq ft to 12,000 sq ft.

Rents for Cargo Fleet Business Centre are highly competitive at £8.50 sq ft, with a service charge of £2 sq ft. This includes a manned reception, use of the Heritage Centre for events, conference room facilities and a secure 200 space car park.

For further information about Cargo Fleet please contact Python Properties on 01642 225100 or visit www.pythonproperties.co.uk.

Tees Valley Unlimited media contact - Leanne English, PR Manager, 01642 632013/07725 602824.


Read More - http://www.teesvalleyunlimited-investment.co.uk/news/story/storyid=178

 

[Newcastle Historian]

£1.5m regeneration of Cargo Fleet building announced
ONE NorthEast Website, 18th October 2010


North East commercial developer Python Properties is to redevelop Middlesbrough’s prestigious Cargo Fleet building to its former glory.

The property, formerly the headquarters of British Steel Teesside and then subsequently Redcar and Cleveland Council, will be restored and transformed into top-quality office and business space.

The extensive restoration project of the three-storey Edwardian building, built in the classic style, estimated to cost more than £1.5m, will involve creating 40,000 sq ft of business/office space primarily targeting local small and expanding businesses.

Working with Teesside University, Python Properties will also establish a heritage centre within the building, looking at the history of ironworks, steelmaking and ship building in this area. There will also be an on-site bistro catering for the centre and the office tenants of the building.

Peter Broome, Python Properties partner, said: “The building is an industrial landmark in the region well known to many local people. It was originally built by Cargo Fleet Iron Company in 1916 and has so much history and stories. Steel making has always been at the heart of the region so we hope we are in some way paying respect to our heritage.

“The redevelopment has been described as a beacon project, which will not only restore the building to its former glory but will also inspire and help to regenerate the surrounding communities.”

Python Properties, assisted by Tees Valley Unlimited, has secured grant funding from the Single Program fund of One North East and commercial funding from Santander Bank.

David Cramond, Director of Capital Development at One North East, said: “Returning this historic building to beneficial use after 10 years of dereliction will enhance the quality office accommodation offer in the area, helping to generate new employment and business development in the Tees Valley.”

Reservations are now being taken and flexible lease terms, including break clauses and rent free periods, are available. Bespoke office suites can be created within the property, ranging in size from 250 sq ft to 12,000 sq ft.

Joan Heggie, of the British Steel Archive Project at Teesside University, said: “The Cargo Fleet building is one of very few left in the area which connects people to Teesside's important iron and steel heritage. The heritage centre could be a conduit helping reconnect the physical structure with documents, plans, photographs and business records held at Teesside Archives about the building itself, the industry, the people of Cargo Fleet as well as the wider geographical area over the last 150 years.


Read More - http://www.onenortheast.co.uk/page/news/article.cfm?articleId=4707

 

[Newcastle Historian]

Commercial Properties to Let in Middlesbrough : Cargo Fleet Business Centre

Location

This is a landmark office building only 5 minutes drive from Middlesbrough town centre. With the A66 close by the building features excellent road links. Formally the headquarters of British Steel, Cargo Fleet Business Centre lends a prestigious, grand air to businesses associated with it.

The area is situated close to the Skippers Lane Business Park.

Description

The initial stages of refurbishment work is currently under way and schematic proposals can be made available to interested parties.

The development will offer approximately 35,000 sq.ft of bespoke business space, finished to the usual Python standard.

Features will include:

• High spec new conversion
• Bespoke office layout to your requirements
• Prestigious manned reception
• Highest quality finishes
• Ground floor Heritage Exhibition Space and Bistro
• Excellent security with dedicated secure car parking (200 cars)
• Flexible lease terms
• Low service charge
• Extremely competitive rates

Accommodation available

35,000 sq.ft. Each floor provides approximately 12,000sq.ft sq.ft and suites are available from 500 sq.ft upwards.

There will also be a Business Centre provision with manned reception and conference room facilities and all inclusive rents on an 'easy in' and 'easy out' basis.

. . .

. . .

Read More - http://www.pythonproperties.co.uk/Commercial/CargoFleet/tabid/126/Default.aspx

 

[lms]

Its great to see this up and running ,saving this building which at one time was due for demolition.It just shows you what can be done with a old redundant building.

 

[dave141]

Hope you dont mind me sticking up some pics i took around 2006 including some internals thought you might be interested sorry about the quality on some of them all hand held.

Some serious damage on the top floor

Hopefully some of the internal features can be retained.

 

[lms]

If there are any internal features left, it looked in a bad way just before they started work on it.
Nice pics ,its interesting to see what the inside was like

 

[Newcastle Historian]

Hope you dont mind me sticking up some pics i took around 2006 including some internals thought you might be interested sorry about the quality on some of them all hand held.

Hopefully some of the internal features can be retained.

Hope you don't mind . . . wow no, certainly not!!

Great photos, looks like a very interesting place internally, which I already knew it was, externally!

I too VERY much hope some (most) of the interesting internal features are retained.

Now what we need, are some 'recent' photos of progress being made!

 

[bobalania]

Thanks for those pictures! I love this building, good to see something finally happening on it, if only i was in a less indsutrial area, i.e. in the town centre it would be quite a major project, shame it will be just offices though.

 

[forsakenarchitecture]

Hello there dave141, it's good to see you here and I believe I know you from a certain other forum. Here's some photos I took in 2009:

Good to see work underway and I do hope the elevator is retained and restored.

 

[lms]

Fantastic building

 

[Newcastle Historian]

Cargo Fleet building attracts tenants
December 1st 2010, by Peter McCusker, The Journal


A MAJOR regeneration project to restore a prominent Teesside building has already attracted two tenants.

Middlesbrough-based commercial developer Python Properties, which only began work to transform the prestigious Cargo Fleet building in October, has announced two businesses have already signed tenancy agreements.

EPS and Mandale Finance are to move into the former headquarters of British Steel Teesside and then subsequently Redcar and Cleveland Council.

The development of the Edwardian building, which is anticipated to be complete by April 2011, will include transforming the property into office and business space.

Martin Johnson, partner at Python Properties, said: “It’s a huge testament to the iconic building that we have already had two clients signed up within days of the restoration project starting.

“We are delighted to be working to restore such a visually stunning building.

“It was originally built by Cargo Fleet Iron Company in 1916 and has so much history.”

Working with Teesside University, Python Properties will also establish a heritage centre within the building, looking at the history of ironworks, steelmaking, shipbuilding and bridge building.

There will also be an on-site bistro.

“Cargo Fleet will have 40,000 sq ft of office space and will be a great place to work and do business,” said Martin Broome, Python Properties partner.

“The mixture of the building’s original features that have been retained and restored, along with the installation of the heritage centre and modern facilities will make the property unique.”


Read More - http://www.nebusiness.co.uk/commerc...eet-building-attracts-tenants-51140-27743420/

 

[lms]

Cargo Fleet building attracts tenants
December 1st 2010, by Peter McCusker, The Journal


A MAJOR regeneration project to restore a prominent Teesside building has already attracted two tenants.

Middlesbrough-based commercial developer Python Properties, which only began work to transform the prestigious Cargo Fleet building in October, has announced two businesses have already signed tenancy agreements.

EPS and Mandale Finance are to move into the former headquarters of British Steel Teesside and then subsequently Redcar and Cleveland Council.

The development of the Edwardian building, which is anticipated to be complete by April 2011, will include transforming the property into office and business space.

Martin Johnson, partner at Python Properties, said: “It’s a huge testament to the iconic building that we have already had two clients signed up within days of the restoration project starting.

“We are delighted to be working to restore such a visually stunning building.

“It was originally built by Cargo Fleet Iron Company in 1916 and has so much history.”

Working with Teesside University, Python Properties will also establish a heritage centre within the building, looking at the history of ironworks, steelmaking, shipbuilding and bridge building.

There will also be an on-site bistro.

“Cargo Fleet will have 40,000 sq ft of office space and will be a great place to work and do business,” said Martin Broome, Python Properties partner.

“The mixture of the building’s original features that have been retained and restored, along with the installation of the heritage centre and modern facilities will make the property unique.”


Read More - http://www.nebusiness.co.uk/commerc...eet-building-attracts-tenants-51140-27743420/

This is very good news .It looks like it wont be empty for long

 

[bobalania]

Yes, very good news, obviously attracting interest straight away.

 

[dave141]

Hi Forsaken nice pics you have there i thought i recognized your name glad to see your here too.

 

[bobalania]

It would be good if people could keep us up to date with photos on this, i think its one of Middlesbrough's finest buildings.

 

[martinjohnsonpython]

Cargo Fleet Restoration by Python Properties.

Thanks Dave, We will use these photos in the restoration. The light-well surrounds have actually disappeared since your photos so we are going to use them to reproduce identical replacment ones.

Thank you!

Martin Johnson
Partner
Python Properties

Hope you dont mind me sticking up some pics i took around 2006 including some internals thought you might be interested sorry about the quality on some of them all hand held.

Some serious damage on the top floor

Hopefully some of the internal features can be retained.

 

[forsakenarchitecture]

It would be good if people could keep us up to date with photos on this, i think its one of Middlesbrough's finest buildings.

This site is on my route to work and I'll get some photographs the next time I pass by if weather conditions permit.

Thanks Dave, We will use these photos in the restoration. The light-well surrounds have actually disappeared since your photos so we are going to use them to reproduce identical replacment ones.

Thank you!

Martin Johnson
Partner
Python Properties

Good to see you here, Martin. Brilliant news that you're restoring original features. May I ask what your plans are for the elevator? It's my favourite feature of the building and it should be preserved and restored if it's possible to do so.

 

[martinjohnsonpython]

Elevator

This site is on my route to work and I'll get some photographs the next time I pass by if weather conditions permit.



Good to see you here, Martin. Brilliant news that you're restoring original features. May I ask what your plans are for the elevator? It's my favourite feature of the building and it should be preserved and restored if it's possible to do so.

The cage elevator with the stairs winding around are one of our favourite features also (there is a persistant story that this lift came out of a passenger ship...if anybody has any info on this we would be very grateful!) We plan to restore and enhance the lift. Initial plans are to restore the original wrought ironwork, but strip out the unsightly plywood and wire mesh thats been added over the years to stop people putting their fingers through the ironwork. We will probably put a inner glass sleave inside the restored cage, which should look great, and either restore the car or fit a new one. A car with glass panels would enhance the jouney to the top of this historic building.

Best regards
Martin

 

[martinjohnsonpython]

Thanks for those pictures! I love this building, good to see something finally happening on it, if only i was in a less indsutrial area, i.e. in the town centre it would be quite a major project, shame it will be just offices though.

The building, as well as providing approximatly 40,000sqft of office space for local, regional and national companies will also have a Heritage Gallery. The Heritage Gallery, which will have it's own Cafe/Bistro, will feature a rolling series of exhibitions showcasing the areas Ironworking, Steelmaking, Shipbuilding and Bridge-building heritage. The exhibitions will consist of photos, artwork, testimony and artifacts. The Curator has been appointed and is working on the first exhibition, to open in April, which will feature the story of the building itself.

Best regards
Martin Johnson
Partner
Python Properties