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Tyne Tunnel Estate redevelopment program to create 16 new jobs

Gateshead-based, UK Land Estates, have announced the commencement of the next phase of its multi-million pound refurbishment programme at Tyne Tunnel Estate which will create 16 new jobs.

So far UK Land Estates has invested over £2.4 million into extensively refurbishing 12 of the smaller units on Tyne Tunnel, including new roof, external cladding, internal redecoration with new office area and doors.

The new project will be undertaken by Tyneside engineering company, Chirton Engineering, who have agreed a 46, 000 sq ft pre-let for an engineering and educational facility.

The new facilities will form part of the North East Advanced Manufacturing Academy (NEAMA) and have been made partly possible by the Regional Growth Fund (RGF), who have provided funding of £200k to help in the purchase of new machines.

Chirton began 10 years ago with 4 employees and now employ 69 staff who make equipment for the oil, gas and renewable energy sectors.

The company’s customer base includes IHC Merwede, Oceaneering and Proserv Offshore, whilst recently expanding into component manufacturing for McLaren.

The educational section of the new unit will provide training for apprentices with education support coming from North Tyneside Council, Tyne Metropolitan College, Tyne North Training and the UK Commission for Employment and Skills.

The new unit will be stripped back to the original steel frame and built back up in modern materials that will surpass current building regulations.

Part of the scheme will include the installation of a biomass fuelled heating system to reduce the occupier’s carbon footprint.

Director of UK Land Estates, Adrian Bartle, said: “We have worked extensively with Chirton Engineering over the last 12 months to fully understand their business and ensure they have the ideal premises to keep the company on course to double their turnover within the next 3 years.”

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