Purchase marks new future for Swan Hunter site

 

16-SEP-09

Issued by: Jeanette Hedley

The renowned Swan Hunter yard - the focus for North East shipbuilding on the banks of the River Tyne - is now in new ownership.

North Tyneside Council has bought the 60-acre site, which was in use for shipbuilding for more than 140 years, in a joint venture with regional development agency One North East.

The partners have funded the purchase as a key site that can unlock the successful future development of a 600-hectare site along the river corridor.

North Tyneside Council, One North East and Newcastle City Council, stepped in three years ago - following the completion of the last order at the yard - to develop a strategic approach to the North Bank of the Tyne that ensured the site was an integral part in the region's economic and employment regeneration.

North Tyneside Mayor, Linda Arkley said: "Swans is key to the development of the whole North Bank of the Tyne site - and particularly to the future regeneration of Wallsend.

"This purchase of the site is a significant step forward and now we can focus on how we can deliver our ambitions, together with partners, to ensure North Bank is a driver for both the borough's and region's economy."

David Cramond, One North East Director of Capital Development, said: "The Swan Hunter site played a hugely significant role in the history of industrial development in the North East and will now be at the heart of a new generation of industries that will drive forward the regional economy for many years to come.

"The former shipyard forms an integral part of the North Bank of the Tyne regeneration strategy which has earmarked marine offshore and new and renewable industries as the new businesses to occupy land stretching from North Shields to Walker.

"One North East supported North Tyneside Council's purchase of the site because of its key strategic location and the opportunities for job and business creation that it presents.

"We are determined that the former Swan Hunter site will play a central role in the redevelopment of the area and once again contribute significantly to the regional economy."

Only last week the new Strategic Development Framework Plan for River Tyne North Bank was published.

This 15-20 year blueprint will be used by all partners in the North Bank project - North Tyneside Council, Newcastle City Council, One North East and the Homes and Communities Agency - to guide the future regeneration of the 600-hectare swathe of land, from Walker in Newcastle to Bull Ring Dock in North Shields.

The proposals, produced by independent consultants GVA Grimley for the North Bank of the Tyne Project Board, identified a future based on marine engineering, sub-sea technologies and enterprise businesses, which will be encouraged within an industrial riverside corridor along the regeneration area.

The former Swan Hunter site is designated to support these industry sectors.

The Swan Hunter vision also proposes a Learning Village on a prominent position along Hadrian Road, with direct access from a regenerated Wallsend town centre.

The waterfront is earmarked for marine industry and marine related business uses, with some office development acting as a buffer to protect riverside communities from any adverse effects of industry.

It also provides an opportunity for the expansion of heritage and cultural activities next to Segedunum, the opportunity for a new ferry berthing point. The plan also includes proposals for improving access to the river at other points, including Willington Gut.

Martin Swales, North Tyneside Council's Strategic Director for Development said: "This is a massive step forward for us a partnership. It means we are able to ensure the delivery of an appropriate and timely regeneration programme to create a new economy for the future of the River Tyne North Bank."

Whilst the feasibility study on future uses is being prepared the site will continue to be used for short-term uses.