Henry Boot Developments has been appointed to build a new industrial park in North East England.

South Tyneside and Sunderland City Councils have selected the contractor to deliver the International Advanced Manufacturing Park (IAMP) scheme, which will create thousands of jobs in the region. Work could begin next year, subject to further permissions.

Henry Boot will be responsible for the physical building of the site, which is proposed for an area close to the A19 and to the north of Nissan's existing manufacturing plant. It will also deliver infrastructure works, such as highways and utilities as well as floorspace for accommodation on the site which is the equivalent of more than 100 football pitches.

Designated as a 'Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project' by the UK Government, the site will act as a world-class environment for high tech industries and advanced manufacturing businesses. More than 5,000 jobs are expected to be created, with over £300m of private sector investment generated over the next 10 years.

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Up to £42m has already been pledged by the Government through the North East Local Enterprise Partnership towards infrastructure at IAMP, including new roads, bridges and environmental enhancements.

Plans for infrastructure work have been submitted to the Government and further approvals are expected in coming months.

Vivienne Clements, Director at Henry Boot Developments, said: "Henry Boot Developments has a strong track record of work on large-scale public and private sector developments.

"We are delighted to be part of the IAMP partnership, developing a world class hub for businesses in the automotive and advanced manufacturing sectors; South Tyneside and Sunderland City Councils have a shared vision to develop this site as an attractive location for national and international business investment and job creation."

South Tyneside Council Leader Iain Malcolm added: "We have only scratched the surface when it comes to the economic opportunities this sector can create for the North East, and the IAMP is the key that will unlock that potential. We expect there to be a huge level of interest from international businesses looking to base themselves on a purpose-built development with infrastructure to support their needs.

"We went to market to find a developer that could respond to the needs of the market, and we are confident that we have found that in Henry Boot.Developments."

(LM)