European funding gives A19 redevelopment the green light

European funding has poured £500,000 into the A19 Enterprise Zone development which may bring hundreds of new jobs to the area.

Ten hectares of the North East Local Enterprise Partnership’s Enterprise Zone coverage within Sunderland has been unlocked for development thanks to funding.

The project has been awarded £5,379,841 investment from the European Regional Development Fund Competitiveness Programme 2007- 2013.

Match funding of £4.8m has come from Sunderland City Council as well as a £4m loan from the North East Local Enterprise Partnership’s Growing Places Fund.

The project is also expected to lead to the creation of approximately 1,500 new jobs and encourage up to £55m private sector investment.

Communities Minister Baroness Hanham CBE, said:“I am delighted that it has been possible to secure European Regional Development Fund investment for this project ensuring the enabling works are carried out sooner rather than later.

“This funding is critical to realising the full development potential of the North East Local Enterprise Partnership Enterprise Zone.

“That it is being matched by both the Growing Places Fund and the City Council demonstrates the area’s commitment to the successful development of their Enterprise Zone.

“By removing the barriers to development, investment is unlocking this strategically important employment site and will facilitate private sector investment essential to local growth and rebalancing the economy.”

The site, known as the A19 Ultra Low Carbon Vehicles Corridor covers an area of 32.5 hectares to the west of the A19 and north of the A1231.

It encompasses 16 hectares at Turbine Park taking in 6.5 hectares within the Nissan estate and 10 hectares of Sunderland City Council-owned land to the west of Nissan..

Development will lead to a serviced employment site capable of accommodating around 90,000 sq m of employment floorspace and create 204 temporary construction jobs.

When the work is complete, the site will focus on growing the mass production of ultra low carbon technology and advanced manufacture, supporting local environmentally-friendly energy businesses.

Councillor Paul Watson, Leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “The North East, and Sunderland in particular, is already a hugely important area for the UK’s automotive industry.

“The city’s ambitions are boosted as a result of European Regional Development Fund and Growing Places funding for the A19 Enterprise Zone.

“Earlier this year we celebrated the completion of Vantec Europe’s £22.5m new warehouse building, which is now open for business on the A19 Enterprise Zone. It is testament to the strengths of Sunderland and its Enterprise Zone that Vantec chose this site for its largest-ever overseas project.

“We are working hard to attract other international investors to this important site and our city.”

Work is now expected to start in April and is expected to be completed by spring 2016.

The European Regional Development Fund Competitiveness Programme 2007-13 is bringing over £300m into North East England to support innovation, enterprise and business support.