First glimpse of Tyneside business centre following £1.75m transformation

New images have revealed the new look of a specialist business centre in North Tyneside after a £1.75m revamp.

The upper three floors of the Centre for Innovation at the former Swan Hunter shipyard in Wallsend have undergone refurbishment after a period of vacancy.

Carried out by contractor Surgo Construction, the revamp has created an additional 940 sq m of refurbished office and meeting room space for up to 10 businesses.

In addition, the project has delivered a new car park and reconfiguration of the reception area, as well as a balcony space with views of the River Tyne.

North Tyneside’s elected mayor Norma Redfearn CBE commented: “I am delighted that the refurbishment of the Centre for Innovation at Swans has been completed.

“It has certainly been a challenging time, particularly as the pandemic struck just as the work was nearing its final stages, but everyone has pulled together fantastically to get the job done.

“This is a hugely exciting time for Wallsend after we secured an ambitious new future for the Swan Hunter site, which will bring new jobs and major opportunities for local people, and I look forward to welcoming lots of brilliant businesses to the CFI too.”

The project received £1.45m from the government’s Local Growth Deal through the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

Minister for Regional Growth and Local Government, Luke Hall MP, added: “I am delighted that a £1.45m Local Growth Fund Investment has helped to put the former Swan Hunter shipyard site back on the map.

“The regeneration will help meet growing demands from offshore energy and subsea sectors, strengthening North Tyneside’s reputation as a national leader in these industries.

“It has also provided 10 local businesses with the space and resources they need to thrive.”