Member Article

Study predicts bright future for North Bank

Parts of Tyneside have the potential to be at the forefront of Europe’s oil and gas industry, a new study reveals. The North Bank area – a 10km stretch of riverside land from Walker riverside in Newcastle to Smith’s Dock at North Shields – is set to get millions of pounds in regeneration cash.

The study by North Tyneside and Newcastle Councils and One NorthEast claims the area could capitalise on the boom in offshore oil and gas fabrication. It says the area has an experienced labour pool, a ‘worldwide reputation for excellence’ in the sector, and an existing infrastucture which could be put to use in the industry.

The study is seen as a “once in a lifetime” chance for the run-down North Bank area, which is considered one of the prime regeneration sites in the North East. The report is also expected to propose a new university or college campus.

John Harrison, mayor of North Tyneside, said: “Currently there is underused and disused land alongside strategic pockets of employment on the North Bank, but this time of great change gives us a tremendous opportunity to get it right and bring new life to the North Bank of the Tyne. “The advice is that we can attract new marine industry to the area. It means local people can make the most of every opportunity which will be created.”

John Holmes, One NorthEast director of regeneration, said: “The study confirms that the North Bank of the River Tyne has the potential to share in the major opportunities that exist in the marine sector. “We look forward to working further with Newcastle and North Tyneside Councils to analyse the capacity for development of this land and how to attract investors to establish themselves there.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .