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New AV Dawson HQ open for business

[ July 8, 2022   //   ]

AV Dawson, owner and operator of Port of Middlesbrough, has unveiled new head office.

The 24,000 sq ft facility, named The Staiths, celebrates both heritage and the future of the port and town as the next chapter of the firm’s expansion.

The name originates from the coal staiths at the old Port Darlington, which was the original name of the site now known as Port of Middlesbrough.

The staiths, which were used for shipping coal from the port, were officially opened by the Stockton and Darlington Railway Company over 190 years ago.

By the early 1830s, Middlesbrough had become a thriving business town, due to the improvements in the river and the extension of the Stockton and Darlington railway to the town.

Port Darlington had become known as Port of Middlesbrough – a name that was brought back to life on in September 2020 when AV Dawson rebranded its site.

AV Dawson says the new office will help put Port of Middlesbrough back on the map, offering a relaxed and modern alternative to a traditional office environment.

The three-story building, which forms part of the business’ three year port masterplan of infrastructure investment, is also home to Cockfield Knight – the ships agency business within the AV Dawson Group – and Italian cable manufacturing giant Prysmian Group.

The building houses meeting rooms and conference spaces, all named after previous AV Dawson sites in Middlesbrough – Emmerson Street, Newport Road and Lloyd Street.

One of the meeting rooms features a 7.2 sqm, hand-painted mural showcasing the history of AV Dawson and the wider Teesside landscape, commissioned by local artist, Philip J. Boville.

The building also includes a gym, a fitness studio, music room and even a bar.

Since opening, Port of Middlesbrough’s facilities have been used by a number of local companies and organisations.

The rooftop terrace provides the opportunity to work, meet and network outdoors, allowing colleagues and guests to soak up views of the Tees including Roseberry Topping and the iconic Transporter Bridge.

It also offers some history, too, as it’s built on the exact location of one of the rail lines that fed the coal staiths.

Sandstone was found when digging the foundations for the new building, some of which has been used in the landscaping around the new building.

AV Dawson’s managing director, Gary Dawson, openly encourages the community, schools and charities to use the facility, hoping that while helping the local area it will also be an opportunity to make people more aware of the vibrant shipping industry in Teesside.

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