New business park could create 5,000 manufacturing jobs

Up to 10 companies could be operating on the International Advanced Manufacturing Park (IAMP) by autumn 2019, subject to further permissions.

IAMP is proposed for an area close to the A19 and to the north of Nissan's existing manufacturing plant. It is predicted it can deliver more than 5,000 jobs and attract more than £300 million of investment.

A joint-project between South Tyneside and Sunderland City Councils, the two councils have recently adopted and endorsed updated planning frameworks for the site. A planning application for Phase One of IAMP is now being prepared and set to be lodged early in 2018.

Bringing forward development in a staged way will mean that up to ten specialist automotive and manufacturing businesses could be at the IAMP as early as autumn 2019.

Councillor Iain Malcolm, Leader of South Tyneside Council, said: "We've already carried out one round of consultation and demand from occupiers is stronger than we had anticipated. Having up to 10 specialist automotive and manufacturing businesses already interested in locating at IAMP and bringing new investment and jobs to our region is excellent news.

"We look forward to seeing people at the event where they can learn more about a project that is the most significant infrastructure project in this region for decades. This is a project that is putting us on the world stage for advanced manufacturing in the automotive industry."

Councillor Harry Trueman, Deputy Leader of Sunderland City Council, said: "There's still a lot of work to do, but being able to indicate that ten companies are already keen to locate and invest in this project is very, very encouraging.

"I would urge people to attend this event and find out more about IAMP because, as we have been saying all along, it's a project of major significance for Sunderland, South Tyneside and all the North East."

Both councils have worked closely with the NE LEP (North East Local Enterprise Partnership), plus Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland as part of the NECA (North East Combined Authority).

IAMP www.iampnortheast.com