Two firms appointed to lead Sunderland gigafactory design and project management

Two firms have been appointed by Envision AESC to lead the design and project management of its advanced car battery gigafactory at the International Advanced Manufacturing Park (IAMP).

The Wates Group will develop an adaptable design that provides the infrastructure to support battery production by 2024. They will work alongside Turner & Townsend who will act as the project manager and cost manager.

The £450m gigafactory will form part of a £1bn partnership with Nissan UK and Sunderland City Council to create an electric vehicle (EV) hub to deliver electric vehicle production at IAMP, and will play a role in decarbonising both UK manufacturing and transport.

Planning permission was granted in October for the gigafactory, representing an initial 9GWh plant with potential future-phase investment by Envision AESC of £1.8 billion.

This will generate up to 25GWh and create 4,500 new high-value green jobs in the region by 2030, with potential on site for up to 35GWh.

This commitment will power Nissan’s new vehicles in the first phase and support the continued localisation of vehicle parts and components with advanced technology. As part of the design process, Wates is already engaging with local supply chain partners, seeking their input on areas ranging from clean utilities to fire protection services.

Paul Dodsworth, regional MD of Wates Construction in the North, said: “The Envision project is helping to build Sunderland’s future by creating a key location for national and international investment that will lay the foundation for sustainable growth in the region.

“We’re proud to be part of this story and its role in driving the Government’s levelling up agenda, and we are committed to creating new opportunities for the local people that need it most, investing in education, jobs and skills, as well as local businesses, to put the city and its residents at the heart of the electric car revolution.”

Darren Laybourn, director and North East strategic lead at Turner & Townsend, commented: “Electric vehicles play an important role in the UK’s net zero and decarbonisation ambitions and it is great to see the North East powering the drive to a renewable future.

“Led by our team in the North East, we will draw on knowledge and expertise from across the firm to ensure this new facility will provide a state-of-the-art home for the future of UK battery manufacturing and a welcome economic boost for the region.”