Planning permission was granted for the development of phase one of the International Advanced Manufacturing Park (IAMP) in May, and now preparatory work has started on-site, ahead of an expected announcement of a flagship investor.
The IAMP is being built on a 150-hectare area of land, north of Nissan that sits between Sunderland and South Tyneside authority areas. The councils are working together, alongside development partner, Henry Boot Developments, and will move forward with phase one of the site, which will see 50 hectares of the estate transformed into a manufacturing hub, with phase two expected to follow soon after.
Over the next ten to 15 years, the park will support more than £400 million of private sector investment, creating over 7,000 jobs.
Councillor Graeme Miller, Leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “Now that the initial round of preparatory work is underway, we expect to see this hugely significant development move forward quickly.
“IAMP is one of the most significant developments that the region has seen in decades and will play a crucial role in rebalancing the North East economy. The vision and hard work of South Tyneside and Sunderland councils to secure a deal that will bring huge economic benefits will soon bear fruit, and it’s fantastic to take such a major step forward.”
The ambition of the site is to create a locally-based supply chain for OEM, Nissan, as well as building on the area’s strengths in advanced manufacturing.
Tom Wheldon, regional manager at Henry Boot Developments, which was appointed by Sunderland City Council and South Tyneside Council to lead the development of the site, said: “IAMP represents a unique opportunity for potential occupiers – with unmatched power capabilities and connectivity, bespoke purpose-built facilities and a skilled local workforce, there will be no better location for advanced manufacturing businesses.
“Conversations are underway with potential occupiers so we’re keen to hear from businesses interested in being located at IAMP – we have a number of plots available at IAMP ONE which can accommodate purpose-built units from circa 50,000 to 500,000ft².
