Partner Article

Multi-million rescue plan for fishing quay

A partnership has come to the rescue of an ageing quay structure described as ‘essential’ to the future of the region’s fishing industry.

Decades of constant use by fishing vessels, together with the impact of North Sea tides and weather, have taken their toll on Western Quay, part of North Shields’ Fish Quay, which is in need of urgent repair.

Owned by Port of Tyne and leased to North Shields Fish Quay Co Ltd, the structure has been found to be at risk of imminent closure.

But now a partnership has agreed to deliver a £5.75m scheme to carry out a major engineering solution to ensure Western Quay serves the industry and wider regeneration at North Shields Fish Quay for future decades.

Work on the project, to be delivered jointly by Port of Tyne, North Tyneside Council, North Shields Fish Quay Co Ltd, One North East and Marine Fisheries Agency, will begin on site from November 16.

“Western Quay is vital to the success of the local fishing industry and the future of North Shields Fish Quay, which as a designated port supports the whole regional fleet,” said North Tyneside’s Elected Mayor, Linda Arkley.

“As a council we could not stand back and allow it to deteriorate further and are delighted to have the support of our partners to ensure this urgent work is delivered.”

The work, to be project managed by the Port of Tyne, is to be funded by a £2m award from the European Fisheries Fund, £1.55m from North Tyneside Council, £1.2 m from One North East and £1m from Port of Tyne.

Alan Clarke, Chief Executive of One North East, said: “The Fish Quay is a unique regional facility and this investment from One North East and our partners to renew the Western Quay will build on the major regeneration work that has already taken place at this thriving visitor and commercial centre.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .