A plan to deliver more than 5,000 jobs and attract over £300 million in investment could soon be put into action on Wearside.
The International Advanced Manufacturing Park (IAMP) – proposed for an area to the north of Nissan’s existing plant and close to the A19 – is a joint project between South Tyneside and Sunderland City Councils.
The International Advanced Manufacturing Park would cover over 150 hectares, providing floorspace equivalent to 100 football pitches. As well as bringing jobs and investment to Wearside, IAMP would lead to improved infrastructure in the form of new roads and bridges.
Last week, Sunderland City Council endorsed updates to the IAMP project following a planning inspector’s report. At the time of writing, South Tyneside Council is meeting to discuss the updated plan.
If the plan is endorsed by South Tyneside Council, work on IAMP could start as early as next year.
South Tyneside Cabinet to meet over £300m IAMP project amid looming developer and investor interests https://t.co/Q2wn7RIXbO
— Glenn Warrington (@GAWZZ8) November 27, 2017
IAMP has already been designated a National Significant Infrastructure Project by the UK government, which has pledged £42 million towards the project through the North East Local Enterprise Partnership.
The £42 million will be used for new roads, bridges and environmental enhancements. Sunderland City Council and South Tyneside Council will also be making contributions to the cost of IAMP.
Sunderland City Council’s deputy leader, Cllr Harry Trueman, said, “The discussions and adoption by the City Council are an important step to securing this landmark development.”
“Investors are already showing interest in the IAMP site and it can go on to unlock more economic and job creating opportunities for the north east.”
The leader of South Tyneside Council, Cllr Iain Malcolm, said, “IAMP is the most significant infrastructure project in this region for decades and will put us on the world stage for manufacturing in the automotive industry.”
Both councils have completed consultation on the IAMP plans, including a form of public enquiry known as a public examination. The councils have also cooperated closely with the council areas of Durham, Gateshead, North Tyneside, Newcastle and Northumberland, which together form the NECA (North East Combined Authority).
