Hundreds of new jobs have moved a step closer to being realised after major infrastructure work was given the green light for one of the region's priority regeneration sites.
One North East and South Tyneside Council have pledged £4.29m to redevelop the land at Harton Staithes in South Shields, which would also accomodate a new BT building and become the base for BT Local Government's UK operations.
One North East is providing £3m Single Programme funding to the development, which has now been approved by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, and South Tyneside Council is contributing £1.29m to the scheme. This will pay for highways improvements, new electricity and gas apparatus, upgrades to water pumping stations and public realm improvements around the new BT business centre.
The investment will also create a new waterfront park - the New Shore Park - which will include high quality landscaping, new public art, seating, lighting and signage. The park has been designed to give public access to the waterfront and protect much-loved views of the river. This will form the first stage of a park planned to run along the River Tyne and connect the five new neighborhoods identified in the South Shields Riverside Development Framework. When complete the new neighbourhoods will provide a total of 1,300 new homes, 87,000m2 business space and new retail and leisure facilities.
The four-storey flagship office development, which is currently awaiting planning permission, will create up to 500 jobs, ranging from administrative and call centre posts to technical and professional jobs. Once built, the business centre will accommodate a range of BT contracts including BT Local Government UK operations.
The Harton Staithes development will stimulate further commercial investment in the area, attracted by the high-profile presence of BT and such a distinctive, high-quality location. The site is located in a fantastic position next to the River Tyne and South Shields town centre, next to the historic Market Square and close to major public transport links including the Metro Station and the Shields Ferry.
The latest funding approval builds on investment in South Shields Riverside of £12.8m already made by One North East and £1.6m made by South Tyneside Council for site assembly and clearance and project development works.
Margaret Fay, Chairman of One North East, said: "Today is a major step forward for the regeneration of South Shields Riverside. This first development alone would create hundreds of new jobs and has the potential to be a major catalyst for further private investment in the area.
"The scheme would transform derelict and unused land into a unique riverside regeneration area, and also bring major economic benefits to South Shields and to the wider region."
Regional Economic Coordination Minister Rosie Winterton said: "This development plans to secure an important regeneration project and up to 500 vital jobs for South Shields. We're giving projects like this the help they need to achieve their full potential, both here in the North East and around the country. One North East and South Tyneside Council should be congratulated for their contribution."
Regional Minister for the North East, Nick Brown MP, said: "This is a welcome investment that helps to secure a landmark development, providing long-term employment opportunities."
Margie Burdis, CEO of BT South Tyneside said: "BT is very proud to be a partner with South Tyneside Council and One North East in the regeneration of the borough. We are committed to this regeneration and we have confidence and belief in the future prosperity that this development will help to bring to the Borough of South Tyneside."
Councillor Michael Clare, Lead Member Jobs, Enterprise and Regeneration at South Tyneside Council said: "This is excellent news and further proof that the regeneration of South Tyneside is underway despite these difficult economic times. The Council is fully committed to this development and has been working with One North East and BT to ensure that all our aspirations for a high quality building with high quality jobs will be delivered as promised.
"Harton Staithes is a prime site in the borough and BT's presence will act as a catalyst for further development. Many local companies would profit from BT's arrival and the wider benefits to the town will be significant, with the office workers using the shops, the services and leisure facilities."
Caption: (L to R): Margaret Fay, One North East; Margie Burdis, BT South Tyneside and Cllr Michael Clare, South Tyneside Council at Harton Staithes, South Shields
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For further information on this release contact:
Andy Aston, PR Technical Advisor at One North East
Tel: 0191 229 6894
email: andy.aston@onenortheast.co.uk
