LGF update: Swans wet dock set for transformation
The Local Growth Fund is providing support to the infill of wet berths at Swans, in North Tyneside, to help secure its future as a great place to do business. Other complementary activity has been taking place to improve and build on this work.
The phase one infrastructure works are finished, which include a new, wider bridge at Benton Way that can accommodate heavier loads. Quay edge repairs have also been finalised, and the quay itself has been dredged to a berthing depth of 9m.
The phase one infrastructure works are finished, which include a new, wider bridge at Benton Way that can accommodate heavier loads. Quay edge repairs have also been finalised, and the quay itself has been dredged to a berthing depth of 9m.
Wallsend-based firm SMD was the first to make use of the newly dredged quay in a load out operation for its client Nautilus in February. The project involved loading three subsea mining machines and related equipment, totalling over 1,000 tonnes in weight, onto a vessel that sailed to Duqm Port in Oman where the machines are being put through a programme of underwater testing.
Other companies are also keen to use the quay for their large-scale load out operations. WD Close will be the next to use the facilities at the end of March.
Patrick Melia, Chief Executive of North Tyneside Council, said: “Our state-of-the-art advanced manufacturing facilities being developed at Swans and other sites make North Tyneside one of the best places to do business. I’m thrilled that we are helping those in the marine, energy and offshore industries to compete in a global market.”
The next chapter in the exciting development of the world-class site will include the opening of the Swans Centre for Innovation, a hub for office-based businesses involved in the renewable and offshore industries, in the spring.
Over £100 million is being spent on developing the Swans site, using a mix of funding from the European Regional Development Fund, Homes and Communities Agency, North East Strategic Growth and Infrastructure Fund, private sector and council investment.