'At least 200 jobs' heading to South Tyneside after projects get slice of £64million funding

The North East is in line for more than £64million from the ‘Getting Building’ fund, which ministers hope will restart the economy following the COVID-19 outbreak.

And two of the approved projects covered by the scheme are in South Tyneside, with investment planned at Tyne Dock and in the Mill Dam area of South Shields.

Iain Malcolm, the leader of South Tyneside Council, called the announcement ‘great news’ which could attract more cash to the town.

He said: “This project builds on riverside transport corridor investments, the Jarrow Business Centre planned refurbishment and complements Enterprise Zone site funding.

“We are determined to ensure that South Tyneside harnesses green technologies.

“The development of offshore wind fits with our overall vision of a sustainable South Tyneside – implementing strategies that bring about real change, significantly reducing the amount of carbon being emitted whilst increasing its renewable capabilities moving to a cleaner, greener resource for energy supplies.”

The £900million Getting Building fund allocated £47million to Tyne and Wear, County Durham and Northumberland for 21 projects.

In South Tyneside this includes cash for:

:: The Tyne Dock Enterprise Park, which is expected to become a hub for the offshore wind energy industry creating 200 jobs

:: The Glassworks, part of the 365 project to regenerate South Shields and which is expected to provide offices at Harton Staithes

Funding has also been approved for an energy project near Nissan’s Washington car plant and the International Advanced Manufacturing Park (IAMP) and for a new Shields Ferry landing at North Shields Fish Quay, providing a boost to South Shields’ cross-river link.

A Commercial Property Investment Fund Pilot Project has also been given the green light which could see more cash spent anywhere in the North East, although further details are yet to be announced.

The Getting Building programme has also allocated more than £17million for three schemes in the Tees Valley.

Cllr Malcolm, who has previously called for the North East to have ‘shovel ready’ schemes ready to go ‘just in case’ government cash becomes available, added the schemes would work with existing plans for the Enterprise Zone Holborn Riverside development, in South Shields.

Matt Beeton, CEO at Port of Tyne, which is due to benefit from further investment at Tyne Dock, called it ‘fantastic news’ for the port and the wider North East.

He added: “It will significantly bolster the investments we’ve already made in Tyne Dock Enterprise Park to develop the Operations and Maintenance base for the world’s largest offshore wind farm, which will provide important supply chain and employment opportunities for the region.

“The Port recently launched its ‘Tyne 2050’ plan with a vision to become one of the most environmentally sustainable ports in the UK by 2030.

“Offshore wind is a key part of our vision and this funding will help us to deliver a major offshore energy facility on the Tyne and a cleaner future for the Port and the region.

“Investing in this project clearly demonstrates the Government’s commitment to the green recovery and we’re delighted to be playing such a key role in the green agenda in the North East.”

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