Former Tyneside shipyards in line for 3,000 jobs
Nov 1 2008 by Sam Wood, The Journal
MORE than 3,000 new jobs could be created on the Tyne, thanks to massive investment to bring green industries to the region.
Two former shipyards Amecs old Wallsend site, known as Hadrian Yard, and the Neptune Shipyard could be transformed into sites which produce wind turbines and other renewable energy machines.
Marine company Shepherd Offshore has announced that it has struck a multi-million- pound deal to buy the two former shipyards on the north bank of the River Tyne.
Shepherd Offshore, whose directors include former Newcastle United chairman Freddy Shepherd, will start refurbishing the yards over the next few months in preparation for work to start there next year.
Talks are understood to be under way between the company and several major players in the renewable energy sector about setting up in the North East.
A confidentiality agreement has been signed meaning details of projects cannot be disclosed.
But Nick Brown, Minister for the North East and MP for Newcastle East and Wallsend, said that one deal is imminent and that it would create 1,000 jobs, revitalising former shipbuilding communities. He added that a further 2,000 jobs could eventually be generated.
He said: There is a major fabrication project that I am confident we will be able to secure for the site very soon. I understand a deal is imminent but for commercial reasons I cannot say more.
I am hoping for a number of announcements to come over time and there is the potential there for around 3,000 jobs. It will really lift the East End of Newcastle.
I believe these things should be built here and my ambition for some time has been to have them built in the empty shipyards of the Tyne.
There is a substantial expansion in this market, which is not unique to the UK.
We have got everything that would be needed right here. We have the facilities, we have access to the sea, a first-rate workforce and training facilities for youngsters. It is very exciting news.
Charles Shepherd, director of Shepherd Offshore, said: This deal is about creating world- class clusters on the back of the offshore technology park in Walker, in both the renewable energy and sub-sea sectors.
The plan is about regeneration of the area and working with the Government to support that strategy. We are very keen on renewable energy and we want the North East to be a central hub for this industry.
Mr Shepherd said the jobs created were likely to be skilled roles which the region lost when shipbuilding declined.
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