The Port of Sunderland is awaiting approval for plans to develop 11 acres of land, which it will then connect to multi-modal cargo hub as part of an £8.2 million ($11.33 million) investment programme.
In a statement, the Port said the plan is part of a wider strategy to attract investment from the rail, manufacturing and storage and distribution sectors.
A planning application was lodged in December for a range of works that will put in place vital infrastructure to make the site shovel ready.
It is the last of three projects delivered at the Port thanks to the backing of the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and is designed to attract potential investors and provide an incentive to those looking to establish a long-term operation at Port of Sunderland.
Councillor Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council and chair of the port board, said, “Port of Sunderland has undergone a programme of extensive infrastructure works, transforming it into a development-ready location, that is already proving increasingly attractive to investors.
“This latest phase of work, which will ensure the right infrastructure is in place to attract investors to Trinity Rail, Road & Sea, is a vital step in ensuring the wider port estate is a highly investible proposition, maximising the economic advantage our port can provide to the city.”
Andrew Moffat CBE, Chair of the Investment Board at the North East LEP, also commented, “This final phase of work will elevate the Port of Sunderland to a very attractive site for potential investors.
“The Port has worked tirelessly over the last few years on its plan to regenerate this Enterprise Zone, which now has the potential to create more and better jobs for the region.”
The announcement is the latest example of ports in the UK investing in expansion projects and new technology.
In February 2021 Peel Ports said it was putting the Port of Liverpool at the heart of a new UK supply chain following the arrival of five ZPMC cantilever rail-mounted cranes to the deep-water container terminal, Liverpool2.
Additionally, the government has also chosen several hubs to be new freeports, including London Gateway, Solent and Teeside as the country looks to revitalise its trade and maritime infrastructure.
