Empty Houses, New Beginnings: Creative Factory’s First Live/Work Homes Completed
After months of graft, we’re excited to finally share the first completed apartments as part of our new creative live/work housing project in Gresham, Middlesbrough.
These homes were previously standing empty and falling into serious disrepair. Hidden behind boarded windows and years of neglect, they’ve been brought back to life as affordable spaces for creatives to live, work and build their practice within a supportive community.
The project is part of Creative Factory’s wider mission to support regeneration in Middlesbrough while creating real opportunities for artists, makers and creative practitioners to stay and grow their careers locally. The apartments have been designed as bright, flexible spaces that encourage creativity, collaboration and connection - finally giving people space to work beyond the kitchen table.
It’s been a proper renovation job from start to finish. The houses were completely uninhabitable when work began, but after months of redesign, rebuilding and restoring, the transformation has been incredible. Walls were opened up, light was brought back into the spaces and every apartment was carefully designed to feel welcoming, practical and full of life again.
A huge part of making this project happen has been the work of Community Ventures and also Chris Hayes and his apprentices.
Community Ventures create employment opportunities and practical training for people rebuilding their lives after prison, offering meaningful work, support and the chance for a fresh start. It felt important that this project not only restored buildings, but also created opportunities for people along the way.
The apartments will be home to creatives who want to contribute positively to the local area through workshops, skill-sharing, events and community activity. We hope the project becomes part of a growing creative ecosystem in Middlesbrough - one that invests in people as much as places.
The initiative also forms part of the wider Engine Room programme, helping strengthen the Tees Valley’s creative industries and support the region as a place where culture and creativity can thrive.
Our first tenant has already moved in, and we’re excited to welcome more creative residents into the community over the coming months.
If you’re interested in our apartments, you can register your interest here
Before the hardwork started!