One NorthEast Chief Executive Alan Clarke has thrown his backing behind plans to develop a major new import centre and warehouse facility in the Tees Valley.

Mr Clarke welcomed an announcement by PD Ports that it had submitted plans for the new building which would create over 800 new jobs over the next two years, plus several hundred additional construction jobs during this period.

"PD Ports is already an important employer in the region, providing over 500 jobs directly at Teesport and a further 1,300 indirectly and contributing £250 million to the regional economy. Today's announcement of the intention to create a major import centre further bolsters the organisation’s already excellent credentials," Mr Clarke said.

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"Delivering 800 jobs by 2009 would provide a significant boost to the regional economy, strengthening our bid to narrow the productivity gap between the region and the rest of the UK, and helping us achieve our aim of being a leading location for national and international business.

"One NorthEast is currently working with The Northern Way to make the business case to Government to deliver the necessary rail upgrades across the north and beyond so that it does not become a constraint in future. Working with Network Rail we are developing a strategy to undertake gauge enhancements on the East Coast Main Line between Doncaster and Scotland, the Transpennine corridor and towards the Midlands. This work toward the business case is expected to be completed by next summer."

He concluded: "This is an exciting time for PD Ports and Teesport with the Northern Gateway project also gathering pace. The Agency will continue to offer its support for appropriate development at Teesport going forward."

Redcar and Cleveland Council will consult one NorthEast, in its statutory planning role, on PD Ports’ planning application. In the context of this role, One NorthEast will consider the application in terms of its effect on the region’s strategic and employment policies.

(JM)