In April 2019, the Development Corporation launched compulsory purchase proceedings to acquire the former SSI steelworks held by SSI in liquidation, along with a further 112 acres of land.

Following a public inquiry into the compulsory purchase orders in February, the planning inspectorate has today granted the Development Corporation powers to be able to purchase all of this land and bring it under its control.

While the inquiry was taking place, Mayor Houchen revealed that he had secured an agreement with SSI over the 870-acres of land and assets at the former Redcar steelworks site separate to this ruling.

This judgement marks the culmination of three years of work for Mayor Houchen, who is also the Chairman of the Development Corporation and builds on a deal agreed last year to acquire 1,420 acres of land from Tata Steel Europe last year.

Mayor Houchen said: “This is a fantastic result for the region and is testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone who has worked so hard to bring the land back under public control so that we can make our visionary Master Plan for the site a reality.

“In February we took a huge step forward when I struck a deal with SSI over the former steelworks land and assets. Today’s decision now means we can move forward at pace with our ambitious plans to transform the former Redcar Steelworks site into a world-class centre focused on the clean energy, offshore and innovation sectors. This will create 20,000 good-quality, well-paid jobs over the next two decades for local people for generations to come.

“Notwithstanding the unprecedented situation relating to the coronavirus, we can engage in constructive talks with interested investors knowing we have all the assets and land we need.”