General manager Jordan Jefferson says he is 'gutted' to be leaving the venue

The director of Middlesbrough Empire says he and his team are going out 'on a high' as he announces their departure from the iconic venue. Last month is was announced that Teesside businessmen Barry Faulkner senior and junior were selling the Corporation Road venue after 35 years - passing on the baton to new owners.

They said it has "never just been a nightclub" and was a massive part of their lives, adding it was "incredibly difficult to put into words" what it meant to them. They said new owners had "exciting plans" for it.

Now, Jordan Jefferson, who became general manager and director of the venue in 2024, has announced he and his team will also be leaving. Posting on social media, he said: "After two-and-a-half years I am gutted to announce my time and the rest of the team has come to an end at the mighty Middlesbrough Empire.

"As most of you will be aware the venue has been sold and the new owners have decided to take the venue in their own direction meaning the current Empire squad will end their involvement on November 17. Taking over the venue was a massive highlight and challenge for me, we inherited a venue with problems but also one with an amazing history, the plan was to make it safe and put our stamp on, adding to the wealth of acts and events that have passed through those doors."

He went on to say: "Overall, I feel we achieved our goals, although stopped in our tracks just as things were getting going with the endless list of Arena size acts that you have seen recently, but what this does mean is we can go out on a high with arguably the best run of live events the venue has ever seen given the scale of artists currently confirmed and to have recently played.

"Not only that but the venue is a safe place to be, we leave behind a great relationship with Cleveland Police and Middlesbrough Council, we leave with our heads held high and reputations in tact.

"None of this would have been possible without the support from the owners, the public and a special thanks to all of our past and present staff, management team, our booking partners, promoters and events teams and a special mention to Hinson security who have played a huge part in the venue retaining its license and keeping the public safe throughout our journey.

"Every single person who has been involved has played their part and should all be proud of the role they have played, no egos, no bickering, just people who turn up, know their roles and get on with it, thanks team."

Big name acts to play Middlesbrough Empire in recent weeks include The Courteeners, DMA's and Cascada.