Work underway on Sunderland’s ‘transformational’ new manufacturing park

Preparatory work is underway on a project that will pave the way for one of the biggest development sites in the North East.

Teams have started on phase one of the International Advanced Manufacturing Park (IAMP) in Sunderland, which will see more than 123 acres transformed into a “truly transformational” manufacturing hub.

The full three-phase development will span over 370 acres, support more than £400m of private sector investment and create over 7,000 jobs during the next 10 to 15 years.

A flagship investor for the scheme, granted planning permission in May, is expected to follow.

Sunderland City Council has established an access road to the site and groundwork continues, ahead of construction work on the first factory on site.

IAMP will occupy land located north of Nissan, straddling Sunderland and South Tyneside authority areas.

Both councils are working to bring the scheme forward with development partner Henry Boot Developments.

The IAMP plans emerged after Sunderland and South Tyneside councils signed a City Deal agreement with the Government in 2015.

The North East LEP’s Local Growth Fund has invested £41m in the site’s infrastructure, including new roads, bridges and environmental enhancements.

Sunderland City Council Leader Cllr Graeme Miller 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.

He continued: “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.

“Over the coming weeks, people will start to see a lot more activity around the site – the first signs of what will be a truly game-changing manufacturing district,” said Councillor Iain Malcolm, Leader of South Tyneside Council.”

Speaking further, Cllr Miller said IAMP will be “a world-leading advanced manufacturing hub […] truly transformational for the North East economy”.

North East LEP board member David Land commented: “Advanced manufacturing is one of the strongest performing sectors in the North East, which is why growing this important area of industry sits at the heart of our Strategic Economic Plan.

“The IAMP will create more and better jobs for our region and help grow the economy. It will be a key strategic site for the advanced manufacturing industry both regionally and nationally.

He added: “We’re delighted to support the project through the Local Growth Fund; a £270m capital programme that supports new strategic economic assets and infrastructure sites across the North East.”

Henry Boot regional manager Tom Wheldon said: “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 500,000 sq ft.”

The header image shows (L-R) Cllr Iain Malcolm (South Tyneside Council), Chief Exec Martin Swales (South Tyneside), Tom Wheldon (Henry Boot), David Land (North East LEP), Chief Exec Patrick Melia (Sunderland City Council) and Cllr Graeme Miller (Sunderland).