Major works start at key city port site
the North East Local Enterprise Partnership, after areas of its estate were granted Enterprise Zone status in 2017.
Esh Construction’s civil engineeringdivisionhasbeenappointed to carry out the work on the East Shore phase of Enterprise Zone infrastructure improvements.
In addition, future undertakings will support enabling engineering works on the Port’s Hendon Sidings site, again to make the site shovel ready for attracting inward investment.
Groundworkshavestarted, with a substation and lighting expectedtobeinstalledwithin weeks.
Matthew Hunt, director at
PortofSunderland,saidhewas delightedtoseeworkgetunder way on a part of the site he believes will quickly attract market interest and investment.
He added: “Over the last decadeorso,wehavebeenquietlybuildingtheport’scapacity –maximisingitsnaturalassets, making strategic land acquisitions that extend the footprint of the estate and investing in equipment that makes us a yet-more capable port, able to meet a broader range of potentialmarketdemand.Theresult is a port that is well and truly establishedinthemarketplace for the provision of port infrastructure and services.
“In addition to its port location, our Enterprise Zone status brings with it the added incentive of enhanced capital allowancesandtheinfrastructure works we have commissioned Esh Construction to undertake will ensure that – combined with these benefits – the port is an even more attractive proposition for businesses looking for the right location.”
The Enterprise Zone will focus on meeting market demand for premises close to the quayside, offering a range of facilities.
Coun Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “There is a head of steam building in Sunderland right now and our port is front and centre of that."