Former shipyard to become energy park with "major" Tyneside sale

A former shipyard site in North Tyneside has been sold amid “major plans” to transform the facility into an energy park.

North Tyneside Council has announced that it has agreed upon a deal to sell the former Swan Hunter shipyard to industrial service provider Shepherd Offshore.

The sale is part of a wider long-term strategy to develop the North Bank of the River Tyne with partners as a world class destination for offshore and advanced manufacturing.

The sale involves the entire 12.94-hectare site, located on the North Bank of the River Tyne, incorporating access and link roads, a wet berth facility, two quays, two river berths and vacant former office buildings.

Norma Redfearn CBE, elected mayor of North Tyneside, commented: “This is such fantastic news for the future of the Swans site, which I know holds a very special place in the hearts of so many in North Tyneside – myself included, having grown up nearby and having family links to the old shipyard.

“I am delighted by what we have achieved with the site in recent years and I wish the Shepherds all the best for what promises to be an exciting next chapter in the history of Swans.”

Mary Glindon, North Tyneside MP, said: “I congratulate both North Tyneside Council and Shepherds Offshore on reaching a deal that will see the former Swan Hunter site come to life as part of the modern industrial landscape of the North Bank of the Tyne.

“It’s great news for the people of Wallsend and the whole of North Tyneside. I look forward to working with everyone concerned to help bring the offshore and energy jobs to the site that has such a great world-renowned history.”