Work is being carried out to safeguard a site earmarked for a major £200million regeneration scheme in central Middlesbrough.

Crown Square is a development planned for Gresham which will see the derelict site become home to a Fairfield by Marriott hotel alongside high-quality accommodation for students and young professionals.

Hoardings have now been erected by lead contractor Wates at the land ahead of preparatory groundworks taking place, which will ultimately clear the way for the start of construction of phase one.

Separate works to erect scaffolding to the exterior of The Crown on the corner of Borough Road and Linthorpe Road are also to take place in coming days.

This will allow for the re-opening of the footpath outside the Crown for use by pedestrians.

Phase one of Crown Square will see the development of build-to-rent properties and student accommodation – along with one of the country’s first Fairfield by Marriott hotels.

Developers iMpeC and Buccleuch Property have teamed up with Middlesbrough Development Corporation to create the town’s biggest development in generations, with an ambitious vision to create 1,500 new homes, 4,000 jobs and both attract and retain talent in the town.

A decision over the future of The Crown will form part of later phases of Crown Square and will be taken by Middlesbrough Development Corporation Board.

Middlesbrough Development Corporation Chair Tony Parkinson said: “This site is primed for regeneration and local people will now be pleased to see activity taking place.

“The Development Corporation continues to liaise closely with our development partners iMpeC and Buccleuch Property – with support from Middlesbrough Council – as we work together to deliver this huge investment which will bring massive benefits to the town.”