Work progressing on new South Shields Jobcentre Plus - and the development team says project is already bringing benefits

CGI of how the new Jobcentre Plus will look

And the team behind the development have revealed the project is already helping to boost the area, with more than 80% of subcontractors working on the project being North East-based.

GMI Construction Group PLC (GMI) released the findings of a supply chain report which showed 83% are based within a 40-mile radius, 69% are based within a 20-mile radius, and 40% are based within a ten-mile radius of the site.

GMI’s said its commitment to using local suppliers, emphasis on employment skills and education, as well as its outstanding record of project delivery, was key to the company securing the contract.

Lee Powell, divisional Managing Director for GMI Construction, said: “We feel very proud to be building in South Shields and are fully committed to the local area.

“The project has enabled us to invest in the local infrastructure and employ local people. We have a very strong local supply chain, with more than 80 per cent of the subcontractors involved in this project based within a 40-mile radius of the site.

“We have an Employment and Skills plan, including creating apprenticeships and employing those who have previously been unemployed. The project has been very good for us in terms of our investment in the local area and as part of our expansion into the North East.”

GMI is carrying out the work for the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP).

Lee Powell, divisional managing director for GMI Construction, at the Jobcentre Plus construction site in South Shields

The project will see the JobCentre Plus branch on Barrington Street demolished and rehoused in a new 12,000 sq ft building off Mile End Road housing 65 employees.

It would also bring over a range of services to help people of working age find work and claim benefits, as well as specialist support for those with disabilities, and free up land for development under South Tyneside Council’s 365 vision for the town centre.

The ambitious £100million regeneration masterplan is being delivered through a close collaboration between GMI’s client, Muse Developments, and South Tyneside Council.

The wider scheme has already delivered two ‘statement buildings’ in The Word – the multi-award-winning National Centre for the Written Word – and the £21million South Shields interchange transport, which has brought together the town’s Metro and bus station.

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