Member Article

£91.9m International Advanced Manufacturing Park reaches critical stage

The next stage in bringing the £91.9m International Advanced Manufacturing Park (IAMP) to Sunderland and South Tyneside has started with the submission of plans for infrastructure work around the site.

The IAMP Area Action Plan (AAP) was submitted by the two local authorities to the Secretary of State on Monday 6 February.

The AAP will allocate the site for the development of an International Advanced Manufacturing Park and establish the planning policies against which the planning proposals for the IAMP will be assessed.

The AAP, which will be valid for 15 years, has been submitted by the councils following consultations with local people held in 2015 and 2016.

It will now be examined in public and it is hoped the hearing sessions will be held in the early spring. In order to proceed and remove the necessary land from the Greenbelt, the plans must be found to be ‘sound’ by the Government Planning Inspectorate.

The AAP is the next major step towards turning the IAMP into a reality. It includes the policy framework to deliver the comprehensive development of the site, from new buildings to accommodate suppliers, to roads, drainage and a small retail area for local shops.

Subject to approval of the plans, work on the site can begin later next year.

Sunderland City Council leader, Councillor Paul Watson, said: “It is a huge achievement for Sunderland and South Tyneside to get to this stage.

“This is a massively important project for the region, with the IAMP predicted to create 5,200 jobs and bring in more than £300m of private sector investment over the next ten years. The submission of the AAP is the first step in turning these exciting plans into a reality.”

Leader of South Tyneside Council, Councillor Iain Malcolm, said: “It has taken a lot of hard work to get to this stage. We are hopeful the authorities will look favourably on our plans, and we will be able to press ahead with what is a fantastic, ambitious proposal for the IAMP.

“This will really secure South Tyneside and Sunderland’s place on the automotive and advanced manufacturing map.”