Structural work is underway to transform a quay at a North East port in England.

Port of Sunderland has announced that Jubilee Quay, the third largest of its eleven quays, is currently being redeveloped.

A new asphalt hardstanding will be built to allow the 120m long quay to be used for the shipments of bulk and project cargoes.

Owen Pugh was awarded the contract after a competitive tender process.

The £400,000 project will see earthworks, surfacing and drainage work carried out on the site.

Port of Sunderland, which is owned by the council, has also commissioned the development of two new lighting masts and provision of a new dockside handrail, which will ensure the site remains operational with light levels are low.


Matthew Hunt, Director of the Port of Sunderland, said that the three month redevelopment project was another step forward for the port.

Mr Hunt said: "Port of Sunderland is a fast-growing port, and infrastructure projects such as this one serve to accelerate that growth, allowing us to take on more business and expand our capabilities.

"We have seen an extensive programme of investment at Port of Sunderland, and all of this is helping to create new opportunities for us, and to unlock the vast potential that exists here.

"With more of our quays becoming operational, and of course, some of the major investment to date – that has included the purchase of two cranes, one a heavy-lift crane, and of course the recent reconnection of our rail lines – we are more than capable than ever and better placed than ever to complete on a bigger stage."

This latest project follows major work at the port's Greenwells Quay – located on the northern side of the port – which has also been resurfaced, with around 4,500sqm of concrete hardstanding.

The combined value of the contracts is almost £1m.

John Dickson, Chairman of Owen Pugh Group, said: "We are thrilled to be playing a significant role in the regeneration of the port, which is integral to Sunderland’s economic wellbeing."

(LM)