Port of Tyne, based around Newcastle in the north east of England, has unveiled expansion plans. The project revolves around a 230-acre (93ha) green development terminal. The GB£150 million investment will create the Tyne Clean Energy Park, adding 400 metres of deep-water quayside to support offshore renewables, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing. The port says the redevelopment could create up to 12,000 jobs, deliver £5.6 billion to the economy, and establish the North East as a hub for the UK’s green energy revolution.
The Port of Tyne has launched a 230-acre redevelopment project with new deep-water quayside. The move which could generate thousands of jobs in offshore wind and manufacturing. The project will officially launch at the Port Investment Panel at the London International Shipping Week on Wednesday (17 September). The initiative has been backed by Heidi Alexander, the Secretary of State for Transport, and Kim McGuinness, the elected mayor for the North East of England. Mayor McGuinness says the port initiative is a key step to make the region the home of the green energy revolution, creating new jobs and opportunities for local people.
Industrial Strategy Zone
“This £150 million investment programme will transform the north and south banks of the Port of Tyne and add 400 metres of deep-water quayside,” said a statement from the port. An independent financial study, carried out by accountancy WSP, suggests that this scheme could potentially create up to 12,000 new jobs and contribute more than £5.6 billion to the local and UK economy in the years ahead.
The plan for Tyne Clean Energy Park includes a kilometre of both new and redeveloped deep-water, heavy lift quay to facilitate the use of the 230-acre footprint sited within an Industrial Strategy Zone – a designation that the port says offers similar benefits to a freeport. These include tax reliefs and capital allowances.
Half a billion committed
“The potential for the site is huge,” North East Mayor, Kim McGuinness. “It could generate thousands of clean energy jobs, which will benefit the region in the long term and further establish a real hub for renewables and offshore sectors on the bank of the Tyne. The deep-water dock will help establish the North East [of England] as the home of the green energy revolution.
“Today’s boost for the maritime industry will supercharge growth and jobs in our coastal towns and cities, making the UK one of the best places in the world to invest,” said Heidi Alexander, the UK transport Secretary. “We’re committing almost half a billion [pounds] to cut carbon emissions from shipping, steering us towards net zero by 2050 and cementing Britain’s place as a clean energy superpower.”
Growing supply chain
The development is merely the highest profile part of a wide-ranging redevelopment of the port, which traditionally severe the vast coal mining industry, now all defunct. “Accelerating offshore wind, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing is a national priority and requires decisive action,” said Matt Beeton, Chief Executive Officer at the Port of Tyne. “Our expanded Tyne Clean Energy Park is uniquely positioned to support this UK-wide initiative. Located close to emerging North Sea wind arrays, this nationally strategic site offers deep-water access and a major development footprint to enable the creation of world-class infrastructure to support a growing supply chain offering.”
Phase one of the redevelopment, Howdon Quay, with a 23,024 square feet (2139 square metres) warehouse and a dedicated berth, is already complete. Matt Beeton said it was ready for business following a £6 million investment. “Working with the Mayor, North East Combined Authority and UK Government, we’re ready to deliver a strategy that unlocks the region’s enormous potential and attracts global investment,” he said.