Floating nightclub sets sail to make way for docks development

From the archive, first published Friday 21st Apr 2006.

A floating nightclub has slipped anchor to clear the way for a multi-million pound dockside redevelopment scheme.

The Tuxedo Royale has been moved into storage by its owners following negotiations with Tees Valley Regeneration (TVR), the body behind the Middlehaven scheme in Middlesbrough.

Before its arrival on the River Tees, near Middlesbrough FC's Riverside stadium, the Tuxedo Royale was anchored on the quayside at Newcastle for several years.

TVR chief executive Joe Docherty said: "It was always the intention that the ship should go to make room for redevelopment. Middlehaven is an ambitious and hugely significant site. Our plans are proceeding at a spectacular pace and it is timely that this vessel should now move on."

The organisation is hoping the ship's departure will encourage developers to back its plans for homes, designer offices and leisure and educational facilities.

The first offices on site - the recently-completed Terrace Hill building at Hudson Quay - will benefit from an improved riverside view after the Tuxedo Royale's departure.

The boat was moved to Middlesbrough six years ago from Newcastle and owner Absolute Leisure had planned to turn it into a floating casino.

Absolute Leisure chairman Michael Quadrini said: "We have been offered other sites both in the UK and abroad and are currently looking into which will be the best one.

"During the time we were in Middlesbrough, we were very encouraged by the Tees Valley Regeneration scheme, and put a casino licence on the ship, but we have now been presented with other exciting opportunities and it is time to take advantage of them. We wish Tees Valley Regeneration every success with the Middlehaven development."

Among plans for the area is a scheme for a £7m college on the site.

The building will have a floor area of 30,000sq m and will cater for more than 17,000 students.

Tees Valley Regeneration is also campaigning to bring the first regional super-casino to the site.

Proposals are to bring a £180m leisure and entertainment complex to Middlehaven, including an arena with a capacity of 7,000, a luxury hotel, conference facilities, restaurants, bars, a health club and spa, a casino and entertainment complex. The development will create up to 4,000 jobs.

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