Member Article

Sunderland business park created in the recession stands as beacon of regeneration

A Sunderland business park created during the height of the recession is celebrating five years of success.

Quay West Business Village in Sunderland was officially opened in 2010 and spans 100,000 sq. ft. of commercial space on the banks of the River Wear, housing more than 40 firms collectively employing over 500 people.

Quay West was created by North East based property development company, Adderstone Group on the site of the historic Austin & Pickersgill shipyard which closed in 1988 before the site fell into disrepair, marking the death of the region’s shipbuilding industry.

Following this, Adderstone Group purchased the site and the project, which began in 2007 and employed over 200 construction workers, was completed in 2009 before its official opening by Kenneth Clarke MP on 5th February 2010.

The scheme was a big risk for Adderstone Group as it fell at the beginning of what would prove to be one of the country’s worst ever recessions.

However, many noted the efforts of Adderstone Group to bring regeneration to the region, including The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) who awarded Quay West “highly commended” status at their 2010 Renaissance Awards.

Five years down the line Quay West Business Village continues to thrive and is home for many ambitious local, national and international businesses including Brims Construction, Handelsbanken the Swedish bank and creative agency Rebrand, plus many more.

Recent new arrivals to the park include electricity distribution specialists, EDS and International Mortgage Network.

EDS Technical Manager, Geoff Briggs, said: “The North East is becoming a strategic hub in the offshore sector and, in order to meet growing demand for our services, this office at Quay West allows us to have presence in what is a strong tactical location for us.

“We knew the space was right for us and our presence at Quay West will help us to raise our profile within the sector, further enhancing our growing reputation.”

Adderstone Group Chairman, Ian Baggett said: “We’re delighted to have contributed to the significant regeneration of an area once occupied by a thriving Sunderland shipyard.

“At times the project felt like a huge undertaking but it has been worth the risk, delivering jobs for many thousands of people over the last five years.”