FUNDING to help a major new development in Sunderland and South Tyneside has been secured.
A total of £42m has been pledged for the two authorities and their International Advanced Manufacturing Park (IAMP) project.
Proposed for an area close to the A19 and to the north of Nissan’s existing manufacturing plant, the IAMP would provide a world-class environment for high tech industries and advanced manufacturing businesses.
The project is designed to attract more than 5,000 jobs and bring in more than £300m of private sector investment over the next ten years.
It is anticipated the IAMP can help secure more automotive supply chain jobs following Nissan’s recent announcement on the Qashqai and X-Trail replacement models being manufactured in Sunderland from 2020.
The Government funds – as part of the Industrial Strategy – announced today (Monday 23 January) – are earmarked for the supporting infrastructure of new roads, access and utilities and it has been designated a ‘nationally significant infrastructure project’. The £91.9m project will also see contributions from the two local authorities and Enterprise Zone income in the form of retained business rates.
Leader of Sunderland City Council, Councillor Paul Watson, said: “We already have one of the biggest and most productive car plants in Europe and we are a centre for electric vehicle research and production.
“We have advanced manufacturing expertise in aerospace and turbo technologies, and we know there’s interest and demand for facilities and land for new and expanding companies.
“This is why the IAMP is an important project for Sunderland, South Tyneside, the North East region and the UK economy.
“Following Nissan’s recent news, the IAMP is the prime location for the supply chain jobs that will now follow. Sunderland and South Tyneside are working together to ensure that our residents can benefit directly from this major boost for our future wealth and prosperity.”
The proposed IAMP is a 100-hectare plus site (more than 100 football pitches) and consultation is already underway. See iampnortheast.co.uk for more details.
Councillor Iain Malcolm, Leader of South Tyneside Council, said: “The IAMP project is recognised as being of ‘national significance’ and today’s announcement is another step forward.
“Our region is already at the forefront of British and European manufacturing and the IAMP project is about capitalising on our unrivalled skillsets and cementing that reputation further.
“This funding will ensure the right infrastructure is in place to support the IAMP and the economic opportunities it can unlock.”
The works will include:
• An upgrade to the A1290 connecting it to the Highways England schemes for the A19; new bridges and junctions, and the site drainage system
• Electrical power supply and connections; water and service utility connections and diversions
• Acquisition and management of specific land for ecology mitigation
• Land acquisitions for development sites
• Long-term site management and initial public transport revenue support.
First outlined in 2014, the IAMP is a key part of the Sunderland City Deal in Partnership with South Tyneside. The deal is seeing Sunderland and South Tyneside working closely with the North East LEP (Local Enterprise Partnership), plus the areas of Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, as part of the North East Combined Authority (NECA).