Green light given for first phase of £300m project
MANUFACTURING PARK EXPECTED TO PROVIDE THOUSANDS OF JOBS
Council leaders have welcomed the first stage of works on a multi-millionpound automotive park project expected to provide thousands of jobs.
Phase one of the the International Advanced Manufacturing Park (IAMP) was given the go-ahead at a Sunderland City Council (SCC) planning meeting on Thursday
The IAMP, near the A19, will support Nissan’s supply chain and aims to attract more than £300million in investment from advanced manufacturing businesses alongside creating more than 7,000 jobs.
The scheme is being delivered in partnership by SCC, South Tyneside Council and Henry Boot Developments.
Newly-appointed leader of Sunderland City Council, Graeme Miller, described the IAMP as “one of the most significant developments that the region has seen in decades”.
“Thousands of people will be employed by businesses that will be located on this world-leading advanced manufacturing park, and it will be truly transformational for the city, the wider region and the national economy,” he said.
“We’re delighted that planning has been approved for the first phase of this development and look forward to delivering a location that will act as a magnet for inward investment, keen to tap into the opportunities in Sunderland and South Tyneside.”
Plans for the IAMP emerged after SCC and South Tyneside Council signed a city deal agreement with the Government in 2015.
Initial works granted by SCC include full planning permission for industrial buildings north of Nissan equating to 1.6m sq ft of advanced manufacturing space.
Outline permission for the remainder of land was also given the green light but government approval must be granted before works can start.
Leader of South Tyneside Council, Iain Malcolm, said: “This part of the world has a well-deserved reputation as a leading place for manufacturing and engineering, and the IAMP will build on that, creating an unrivalled location for businesses in this sector.
“We are delighted that our vision for IAMP is moving a step closer to reality, and look forward to working with our partners at SCC, along with our development partner Henry Boot Developments and also with the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) to deliver a site that will transform the regional economy.”