As local leaders look to kick-start regeneration in parts of the North East which have been languishing for years, are mayoral development corporations (MDCs) the answer?
MDCs are statutory bodies with powers to acquire, develop, hold, and dispose of land and property, as well as powers to speed up new infrastructure. Only two exist outside London; in Stockport in Greater Manchester and the Teesworks industrial site at Redcar.
But in recent weeks Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen has announced plans for new development corporations in Hartlepool and Middlesbrough. And now Labour mayor Jamie Driscoll is looking at using his powers to speed up regeneration in his North of Tyne patch.
The Northern Agenda political newsletter understands Mr Driscoll is exploring the possibility of setting up an MDC in an as-yet-unnamed area featuring several previously-used brownfield sites that have been resisting regeneration efforts for years.
