Creative Factory Middlesbrough

As the strip out goes on, the layers of what was a jewellers are peeled away. Beautiful tiles, flocked wall paper and years and years of junk.

Every day has brought something different. There’s been excitement about what we might find and a little anxiety as another skip arrives and we wonder how we’re ever going to get through it all...but bit by bit, the building is starting to reveal itself and the space is starting to feel less like what is was and more like what it could become.

We’ve got ambitious plans - we’re creating:
→ 3 shop units
→ 8 creative studios / offices
→ A dedicated test + pilot space upstairs

We want to create a place where Middlesbrough’s creative community can grow, collaborate and make things happen. A home for designers, photographers, podcasters, creative producers, creative hair, makeup artists, art and cultural practitioners and more.

If you want to be part of our growing creative community and you think this space could be right for you - get in touch 👉 [email protected]



We are Middlesbrough Tees Valley CA

Putting ourselves forward for City of Culture was a proper “shy bairns get nowt” moment. You don’t get anywhere by sitting on the sidelines, and being long-listed alongside eight other places shows we’ve got every right to be in the conversation. We’ve proved that Middlesbrough has something special to offer.

When (and yes, we’re saying when, not if) we win, it sends a powerful message to the next generation: you don’t have to leave Boro to achieve something brilliant. You can build a future here. It also gives us the chance to show the rest of the country - and the world - that the way we do things in Middlesbrough works. We back creativity, we back community, and we back people who are willing to roll their sleeves up and make things happen.

For once, the headlines won’t be written for us - they’ll be written because of us. We’ve already seen what creative success can do through projects like bringing pride, opportunity and a fresh perspective on our town. City of Culture is our chance to take that even further and show everyone what Boro is really made of 💪💙

We are Middlesbrough

Such a fun day yesterday at Durham Miners' Gala 🫶 thanks to everyone who stopped for a chat, argued over naughts and crosses or became a certified smoggie 😂 (see last slide)

Big thanks to Will & Bobby for putting together such an amazing setup for the boro crew - .workshop The Auxiliary Project Space Industrialcoast Middlesbrough Art Week & Haydn.

It was awesome to be amongst such an amazing selection of northern creatives ❤️ a really inspiring day.

Special thanks to Building Culture CIC for inviting us!

We’re proud to be part of this year’s Durham Miners’ Gala alongside The Auxiliary Project Space .workshop Industrialcoast & Brainbox Studios 🙌

The Gala is one of the world’s biggest celebrations of community, international solidarity and working-class culture. Every year, on the second Saturday in July, it brings thousands of people together in a powerful display of collective action, hope, resilience and unity.

This year, we’re especially excited to be part of Redhills Village a brand new space on the main Gala field that brings together arts, culture, heritage and science in a future-focused cultural village. Produced by Building Culture in partnership with Redhills, Redhills Village creates a place where ‘the past we inherit’ meets ‘the future we build’.

We’ll be there alongside an incredible line-up and we can’t wait to meet everyone, share ideas and celebrate the creativity that continues to grow from our region

See you there! ❤️✊

They’re finally done! After weeks of hard graft the murals are finished and they look incredible ❤️

We’re so happy with how they’ve turned out, what an amazing way to celebrate local stories and make the streets of Middlesbrough feel vibrant & welcoming. A reminder that creativity can belong in the places we live, work and walk through every day.

One of the best parts has been the response from local people. So many have stopped to chat, shared their own stories, kept us fuelled with ice creams or simply told us how much they love seeing the murals come to life. It’s a great example of how creatives and communities can breath new life into our streets and why we’ve been long listed for City of Culture.

Big thanks to:
Hazel 🤩 Illustrator, Muralist and Community Artist
🌈Abstract Art Painting & Sculpture 🌈
Hannah Campion
Art Assistant: Harriet Mee
Creative Producer: Ellen Ranson Howarth
As Part of Middlesbrough Storytelling Festival
We are Middlesbrough
📷: Brainbox Studios

What does the future of creative space in the Tees Valley look like? 👀

We’re exploring the potential for a Creative Land Trust in the Tees Valley - a model that secures permanent, affordable spaces for artists, makers and creative organisations by taking creative workspaces out of the speculative property market.

The aim? To prevent displacement, protect creative communities and support long-term cultural vibrancy across the region.

If you work in the creative sector in the Tees Valley, we’d love you to complete our survey and help shape future support for creatives in the area.

⏱️ Takes 15–20 minutes
🔗 Link in bio

Please share with anyone working in the creative industries across the Tees Valley.

We’re buzzing to be part of the first ever Middlesbrough Storytelling Festival - bringing art, community and local stories together in the heart of Boro.

We’re inviting people to help shape two brand new murals that will be painted onto our new residential homes in central Middlesbrough with the amazing and

These workshops are all about exploring what “home” means to our communities - through stories, colour and creativity. The ideas, conversations and artwork created during the sessions will directly inspire the final large-scale murals.

No artistic experience needed, just come along, get involved and share your story with us at 91 Princes Road, TS1 4BN:

⏰ Saturday 16 May - 11am–2pm
⏰ Friday 22 May - 3pm–6pm

The Middlesbrough Storytelling Festival takes place in June, with performances, workshops and family activities happening across the town, culminating in a major celebration at Centre Square, MIMA and Middlesbrough Central Library on Saturday 27 June 2026.

FILM NIGHT #1 by . Independent short films from the North East, North West & US, curated by & hosted at our space on 91 Princes Rd.

There was something quite exciting about stepping through an unassuming door on a terrace street and finding yourself at a film night 🎬

Thanks to all who came along and the artists featured.

John O’Neill
Rachel Deakin
Louis Fryer .lou
Maeve Thompson

Looking forward to this on Saturday! x Creative Factory one last time before renovation.

Our wrap party starts 1-8pm across 3 floors. Multiple exhibitions, live music, drag, performance art, sonic art, live painting, poetry and a pop-up party.

Free entry. Food. Good times. UTB!

Swipe for the lineup ➡️