RESIDENTS and businesses are encouraged to have their say on a preferred site for the International Advanced Manufacturing Park (IAMP) – a joint venture between Sunderland and South Tyneside Councils.
The IAMP – proposed for an area close to the A19 and A1 to the north of Nissan’s existing manufacturing plant – would provide a world-class environment for high-tech industries and advanced manufacturing businesses.
It is anticipated that the scheme can create more than 5,200 new jobs by 2027 in innovative industries and drive economic growth by attracting more than £300m of private investment.
The two councils have this week launched a consultation on a draft Area Action Plan (AAP). This document provides a policy framework guiding the cross-boundary development for the next 15 years. It follows previous consultations on the vision, including consultation on three location options in early 2016.
The consultation is seeking views on:
• The preferred site for IAMP, which includes 260,000m2 of business space across a 100 hectare site;
• The allocation of 135 hectares of land (more than 100 football pitches) for open green space and safeguarding of 50 hectares of land for possible long-term development;
• Creating a new centre of excellence for advanced manufacturing, creating up to 5,200 new jobs and attracting significant private investment;
• Background information that led to site selection, including ecology; landscaping; transport; and flood and drainage studies.
Opportunities to comment and more details are at: www.sunderland.gov.uk/iamp and www.southtyneside.gov.uk/iamp
The IAMP is a key element of the Sunderland City Deal, in partnership with South Tyneside that was designated as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) by the Government in September 2015. The designation recognised the transformational impact the IAMP could have on the North East’s economy and helped pave the way for a future planning application for the site.
Councillor Paul Watson, Leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “The IAMP is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform the Sunderland and South Tyneside economies, bringing with it a wealth of possibilities for our communities.
“We are encouraging future generations to aspire to high-quality and skilled jobs and creating compelling reasons for them to stay in the North East. With the industries and investment the IAMP will attract, it will be a game-changer for our current and future workforce.
“We’d encourage everyone, from residents, to students and businesses, to get involved in this consultation and have their say for the future.”
Councillor Iain Malcolm, Leader of South Tyneside Council, said: “Our economies are built on the skills; determination and dedication of our workforce. IAMP will build on this foundation and provide an energetic setting that will put us on the world stage for advanced manufacturing in the automotive industry.
“Input from the community has been invaluable to date. The proposed development framework is based on what people told us was their preferred option during the previous consultation.
“Now’s the time for the community to get in touch and help shape how IAMP will be taken forward.”
As part of the consultation, there is drop-in open days at Washington Library, Asda in Boldon and the Bunny Hill Centre Library in Hylton Lane.
The events are a chance to discuss the draft AAP and associated documents with council representatives and submit feedback. The events are on:
• Tuesday 16 August 2016, 12 – 5pm, Washington Library
• Wednesday 17 August 2016, 9.30am – 12pm, Bunny Hill Centre Library
• Wednesday 17 August 2015, 1 – 8pm, Asda Boldon
• Thursday 18 August 2016, 5 – 8pm, Quardus Centre
• Tuesday 13 September 2016, 12 – 5pm, Washington Library
• Wednesday 14 September 2016, 9.30am – 12pm, Bunny Hill Centre Library
• Wednesday 14 September 2015, 1 – 8pm, Asda Boldon
• Thursday 15 September 2016, 5 – 8pm, The Bridges Shopping Centre
It is anticipated that, following the consultation, the draft AAP will be finalised and submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for consideration in early 2017.
Consultation materials including the full draft AAP, a community pamphlet and an accessible Summary Document can be viewed at:
• In hard copy at Sunderland Civic Centre; South Shields Town Hall; and all public libraries within both authorities until Monday 26 September 2016
• Online at www.sunderland.gov.uk/iamp and www.southtyneside.gov.uk/iamp
Members of the community have can their say by:
• Attending a drop-in event and completing a feedback form
• Completing a feedback form online at the above at the above website addresses
• Contacting the councils via the email and postal addresses provided
