A planning application for the first stage of a manufacturing project that could create more than 5,000 jobs is now being prepared.
Up to ten companies could even be operating on the IAMP (International Advanced Manufacturing Park) by autumn 2019, subject to further permissions.
Members of the public and businesses across Tyne and Wear and the North East are being invited to learn more about the new business park.
IAMP is proposed for an area close to the A19 and to the north of Nissan’s existing manufacturing plant. It is anticipated that it can deliver more than 5,000 jobs and attract more than £300m 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.
The public can find out more about IAMP on Thursday 7 December, 2 – 7:30pm, at Bunny Hill Centre, Hylton Lane, Sunderland, SR5 4BW.
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.”
The IAMP ONE planning application will seek permission for up to ten specialist automotive and manufacturing units. The plans include a new road link from the A1290, associated car parking, service yards, access, landscaping and drainage ponds. The units will be located within the southern area of IAMP within Sunderland City Council’s boundary.
The buildings will be designed to achieve a high quality design. The buildings would have a maximum height of 25m, ensuring sufficient space is provided for internal operations.
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 ten 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.”
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 has already been designated a ‘Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project’ by the UK Government and it has pledged £42m through the NE LEP towards infrastructure including new roads, bridges and environmental enhancements. The project will also see contributions from the two local authorities and Enterprise Zone income in the form of retained business rates.
