Alkaline Kitchen, which is the brainchild of owners Anna Halbert and Luke Dobbing, has chosen Albert North as the destination for their new vegan cafe.

A culmination of this enterprising couple’s passion for wholesome plant-based food, the cafe opened its doors last month and is already receiving rave reviews across social media.

Drawing inspiration from their travels to other vegan cafes around the world they have developed their unique menu which is 100% vegan and also offers oil-free, soy-free, gluten-free and preservative-free options.

The cafe had initially planned to open in Yarm, but delay’s with a planning application for change of use to the premises meant the opening stalled. Not deterred and inspired by all of the regeneration happening in Middlesbrough Anna and Luke identified Albert North as the perfect alternative location.

Luke said: “When we visited Albert North we were inspired by the vision Jomast and Middlesbrough Council have for this part of town.

“We especially liked the eclectic buildings but the fact it’s a key thoroughfare in the town was a massive tick in the box, and we jumped at the chance to open here”.

The cafe’s menu includes lighter meals such as a salad bar, soups and sandwiches as well as traditional favourites such as pizza, quiche and curries. An array of sweet treats, juices and smoothies are also available.

Anna said: “As vegan’s ourselves, we found that we had to travel further afield to experience a wider choice of vegan eateries.

“With the increasing popularity of a vegan diet, we identified a gap in the market locally and took the opportunity to create a business that appeals to food conscious individuals.

Mark Hill, Commercial Property Director at Jomast added: “We are bringing together a variety of businesses that complement each other to create a city vibe feel and Alkaline Kitchen is a perfect addition.”

Anna added, “This was our second attempt at obtaining commercial premises, Jomast made it so easy, they were extremely helpful throughout the process and always on hand to assist and answer any questions we had.”

Alkaline Kitchen is open Tuesday – Thursday 11am – 6.30pm and Friday – Saturday 11am – 9pm.

An area of Middlesbrough is being brought back to life by local regeneration specialists Jomast and Middlesbrough Council.

Albert Road, which is a main thoroughfare in the town, runs from Middlesbrough railway station to Centre Square and Teesside University. The once-bustling commercial district is now benefiting from significant regeneration to reinvigorate the area into a vibrant new business community known as Albert North.

Made up of a collection of eclectic buildings, Albert North will boast a number of modern studios and offices for small to large businesses, as well as food and drink outlets and city living apartments.

Built to complement Middlesbrough’s existing digital and creative quarter and the Boho Zone, Albert North is being welcomed by many businesses who are looking for modern, flexible office space to meet their growing needs.

“Our aim is to bring together passionate people and inspiring businesses into one exciting business community” said Mark Hill, Commercial Property Director at Jomast.

“Companies are looking for bespoke office accommodation and creative spaces with flexible terms and attractive incentives, which is exactly what Albert North will offer. More people want to work in the centre of town as it allows them to have easy access to all the local amenities as well as good transport links’ he added.

The Middlesbrough Mayor’s 2025 vision puts the town firmly at the heart of the Tees Valley City region, competing with cities across the UK. Albert North sits within Middlesbrough’s historic quarter, with the heritage and architecture of the older buildings being restored and retained.

Internally, each unit will be fully refurbished to offer spacious interiors that meet the high standards businesses now expect.

“Albert North allows businesses of all sizes, including the town’s prominent creative and digital sector, to remain in close proximity to each other, which in turn will encourage a collaborative environment for these businesses to thrive,” said Michelle McPhee, City Centre Manager at Middlesbrough Council.

“We are working with local businesses to shape the culture of Albert North, and this includes a range of benefits such as high-speed broadband, rent and rate incentives, free public health initiatives for employees and a town centre loyalty card with exclusive discounts” she added.

“Jomast and Middlesbrough Council are committed to improving and regenerating Middlesbrough, and Albert North is testament to this”.

An influential national report has put Middlesbrough’s thriving digital sector firmly in the spotlight.

Tech Nation 2018 singles the town out as being in the vanguard of the UK’s burgeoning digital and hi-tech economy. The latest report gives an upbeat overview of the strength, depth and breadth of a vital sector that continues to expand at faster rate than the wider economy. And Middlesbrough is highlighted as one of 16 booming ‘digital suburbs and tech towns’ with a higher proportion of digital tech employment than the UK average.

The online report is a snapshot of the tech sector across the UK, and features recommendations for tech businesses, policymakers and corporates looking to accelerate growth. And the picture in Middlesbrough shows healthy growth in digital tech jobs of 19.5% to nearly 7,200 in 2016-17, with a total business turnover of just under £190 million. Digital GVA has increased locally by 44% from £211m in the 2017 report to £304m in the latest edition. The town’s worldwide reputation in digital animation is highlighted, including Teesside University’s specialist degrees in the field and the city’s hosting of Animex, the UK’s largest festival of animation and computer games.

The report showcases 14 tech companies from across the region that have recently completed DigitalCity’s three-month SCALE programme that pairs entrepreneurs with a dedicated business mentor. Other case studies include co-working space Studio 109 whose 6,500 sq ft of renovated space includes studio offices as well as co-working and hot-desking spaces, bringing together creative minds and fuelling innovation and growth.

Animmersion CEO Dominic Lusardi said Middlesbrough had been the perfect location to grow the business, with support from DigitalCity, Middlesbrough Council, Teesside University and the Combined Authority: “Add to this, the rich digital cluster and high quality graduates, and Middlesbrough is the perfect location.”

And the town’s pioneering digital start-ups have themselves singled out Dan Watson, Middlesbrough Council’s Digital Middlesbrough Manager, who formerly worked as DigitalCity’s Cluster Manager, as an influentialfigure in their growth. Dan said: “The drive and aspiration of entrepreneurs really ties in with Middlesbrough’s city-scale ambitions. “The businesses are incredibly open to collaboration and supporting the next generation, while also welcoming those moving into the digital industries in Middlesbrough.”

Laura Woods, Director of The Forge, Teesside University’s business hub and Chair of DigitalCity, said: “It is fantastic that the thriving digital sector in Middlesbrough has been recognised once again in the Tech Nation report and Teesside University is very proud of the role that we have played in its growth. “As an anchor institution for the region, helping to drive economic growth, we are looking forward to continuing to work with our partners in industry and local government to ensure that businesses can be helped to grow through digital innovation and access to graduate and academic talent.”

Councillor Lewis Young, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Economic Development and Infrastructure, said: “The Tech Nation 2018 report makes fantastic reading for this vital and growing sector in general, and for Middlesbrough in particular.“We’ve got a great track record as a breeding ground for digital and tech businesses, and the success stories and figures really speak for themselves. Middlesbrough truly is on the verge of one of the most exciting phases in its long and rich history, and it’s particularly fitting that one of the cornerstones of that resurgence should be the cutting-edge technology of the 21st Century.”

To view the Tech Nation 2018 report, visit: https://technation.io/insights/report-2018/

Historic buildings in the heart of Middlesbrough are currently enjoying a new lease of life as part of regeneration of Albert North on Albert Road by Jomast.

Buildings including the former Court Chambers, Kitching Building and the Wilson’s Courtyard have been rejuvenated as part of the reinvention of Albert North that has seen Alkaline Kitchen and Pie Jackers join a range of independent brands on Albert Road.

As well as bringing the heritage landmarks back into use, Jomast have been working with Heritage Unlocked’s Dr Tosh Warwick and Teesside Archives to explore the history of properties in Albert North and have uncovered unique photographs and plans dating back to early twentieth century.

Modern day occupants of the buildings will follow in the footsteps of some of the key figures that have helped shape Middlesbrough over the centuries and have played an important role in the day-to-day life of Teessiders for decades. Records dating back to the 1880s reveal tenants including London & Lancashire Insurance, Norwich Union, Bass Brewers and William Duncan, the architect of Redcar Town Clock.

By the early 1900s celebrated architect Robert Ridley Kitching’s practice was resident on Albert Road and would go on to be responsible for thousands of Teesside’s buildings and homes, including listed landmarks such as the Cargo Fleet Steel Company Offices, Christadelphian Hall and the United Reform Church on Linthorpe Road. Accountants, coal merchants, publicans, shipping magnates and tailors are amongst the range of former occupants of the Albert North redevelopment properties including the Constantines, the family shipping dynasty pivotal in establishing Constantine College, the predecessor to Teesside University.

Plans held by Teesside Archives also reveal construction details of the locally listed Kitching Building, Middlesbrough’s most notable Art Deco style building, details of Air Raid shelters for the Admiralty, based in the premises during the Second World War, as well as previous renovations along Albert Road dating back to the 1930s. The use of the historic documents to explore the history of the buildings is the latest project to make use of the collections that have also been used to aid the regeneration of Middlesbrough Town Hall, Saltburn Cliff Lift and the Tees Transporter Bridge.

Dr Tosh Warwick said: “The regeneration of the heritage buildings follows the example of leading developments across the country that have been praised by Historic England for bringing a new lease of life to city centres. The history of the buildings has generated lots of interests both from new occupants and the wider public”.

Julie and Neil Fletcher from Pie Jackers said their decision to open an artisan bakery and diner at 17 Albert Road was inspired by the character of the impressive stone fronted building which was originally the Court Chambers. Julie said: “Middlesbrough is our hometown and we’ve both walked down Albert Road and past these old Court Chambers a thousand times. As soon as we discovered the building was part of the Albert North regeneration we jumped at the chance to ‘piejack’ it. It’s a fantastic space and our refit will very much reflect Middlesbrough’s industrial heritage.”

Mark Hill, Commercial Property Director at Jomast, said: “Albert North is fast becoming a vibrant new business community set in the historic quarter of Middlesbrough, in the heart of the Tees Valley. We are very proud to be working with Middlesbrough Council on the regeneration of this area to make this community a wonderful place to work, drink and eat”

Just a short time after its official launch, Middlesbrough’s vibrant new business community, Albert North, is celebrating its first tenant.

Mabo Media, an award-winning PPC specialist, has committed the company’s future to Albert North in a new lease, allowing the team’s ambitious growth plans to become reality.

“Albert North is the ideal next step for Mabo Media on our journey to become the best and biggest PPC agency in the UK,” said MD Lee Mableson, who set up the company just over 5 years ago.

The 30 plus strong team have relocated to SIXTEEN/26 Albert Road, occupying 6,000 sq ft of newly refurbished space.

“We were looking for a new office space which would be flexible with our rapid growth, as well as having the modern facilities that people have come to expect in the digital sector. Coupled with the city centre location and excellent transport links to other major digital hotspots such as Leeds and Manchester, Albert North was the perfect solution for us” added Lee.

“We’re thrilled to welcome one of Teesside’s biggest digital success stories to Albert North” said Mark Hill, Commercial Property Director at Jomast.

“Our aim with Albert North is to bring together passionate people and inspiring businesses into one exciting business community” he added.

The Albert North scheme includes a number of perks for businesses, including high-speed broadband, rent and rate incentives, free public health initiatives for all staff and a town centre loyalty card with exclusive discounts and incentives. The multi-million-pound regeneration project is being driven by local property developers Jomast and Middlesbrough Council.

“Albert North allows businesses of all sizes, including the town’s prominent creative and digital sector, to remain in close proximity to each other, which in turn will encourage a collaborative environment for these businesses to thrive” added Michelle McPhee, City Centre Manager at Middlesbrough Council.

 

Albert North is a multi-million-pound regeneration project in the centre of Middlesbrough. Made up of a collection of eclectic buildings it has benefited from a significant transformation. It now boasts a number of modern studios and offices, as well as food and drink outlets and city living apartments and is home to many of the towns digital and creative businesses. It’s a great place to base your business and here are our top 10 reasons why:

01. LOCATION

Middlesbrough has been noticed as one of Europe’s Top 10 small cities by the Financial Times.

02. BUSINESS SUPPORT

Middlesbrough offers a wide range of support to new and growing businesses, including financial incentives and business growth programmes.

03. AMENITIES

Albert North is conveniently located in the heart of Middlesbrough, with a bustling community of ambitious people and flourishing businesses.

04. HIGH-SPEED BROADBAND

Albert North benefits from high-speed broadband, allowing you and your company to access speeds of up to 100MB.

05. GENEROUS PARKING

A package of convenient parking offers is available, which can be tailored to you and your business.

06. BUSINESS RATE INCENTIVES

Albert North offers business rate incentives, which are available for creative businesses.

07. LOYALTY CARD

Albert North’s residents can beneit from our innovative town centre loyalty card, giving you and your team discounts at some of Middlesbrough’s best food and drink spots.

08. WELLBEING INITIATIVES

Albert North offers free public health initiatives and campaigns for employers to engage with to keep employees happy and healthy.

09. COMMUNITY

Albert North brings together passionate people and ambitious businesses, providing a collaborative environment for digital and creative companies to thrive.

10. SPACES TO SUIT YOU

With spaces from 550 sq ft up to 15,000 sq ft, Albert North caters to businesses of all sizes.

Key details have been revealed which will see major improvements made to a historic area of Middlesbrough town centre.

Albert Road, which is a main thoroughfare in the town, runs from Middlesbrough train station to the town centre and Teesside University. It has already seen various developments in 2017 including the Holiday Inn, Bistrot Pierre and the ongoing restoration of the Town Hall. New plans set out by Jomast will ensure that the positive regeneration in this area continues into 2018.

The Stockton based property developer has announced that work has started on 15 – 25 Albert Road, with the vision being to convert the eclectic mix of historic buildings into commercial units while conserving their period features. These empty properties will be fully refurbished and extended to attract a mix of businesses including restaurants, cafes, coffee shops and independent retailers. A number of residential units will also be available on the upper floors.

In addition to this, Prudential House, which sits at 27 – 33 Albert Road, will undergo improvements including new windows and a full exterior clean. The regeneration work is scheduled to take around 12 months.

Mark Hill, Commercial Property Director at Jomast spoke about the plans, saying, “The historic and architectural significance of this section of Albert Road represents the quality of architecture throughout the historic quarter of Middlesbrough – something which Jomast are dedicated to conserving.

“The lack of occupancy and investment in this area has been recognised in recent years and we’re pleased to be able to continue our plans to invest in Middlesbrough.”

The work on Albert Road follows a string of successful regeneration projects for Jomast in Middlesbrough and the surrounding areas, including the popular Bedford and Baker Streets, Zetland Buildings in Exchange Square, Sun Alliance House and Wilsons Courtyard on Albert Road and the Queens Square area of the town.

“Jomast is committed to improving and regenerating Middlesbrough, and the work which has started on Albert Road is testament to this” Mark added.