Construction begins on £1.4 million industrial unit refurb

Construction has begun on a £1.4 million refurbishment of an industrial unit in North Tyneside, set to enhance business capacity and attract further investment.

Newcastle-based TRI Construction is leading the redevelopment of Unit E2 at the Tyne Tunnel Estate, a project funded by estate owner UK Land Estates.

The revamped 30,000 sq ft facility will include over 26,000 sq ft of open-plan manufacturing or warehouse space, alongside modern office accommodation. The E2 unit will feature sustainability-focused enhancements such as solar panels, LED lighting, EV charging points and high-efficiency heating systems, meeting stringent environmental standards.

Brandon Bailey, projects director at UK Land Estates, said: “We are delighted to see work finally begin on the redevelopment of E2.

“Boasting over 29,000 sq ft of quality office and warehousing or manufacturing space, the unit will bring much-needed, high quality industrial space to the market in what is a really desirable part of the North East.

“Working with a North East construction company in TRI Construction, it will also ensure the bulk of the jobs supported by the construction are for local people. It will provide a real boost to the local area in every respect.”

Keith Wigham, commercial director at TRI Construction, added: “We are delighted to be appointed principal contractor on the project.

‘It follows on from successfully completing similar refurbishments on the estate for Howdens, Axminster Tools, Encon and Lookers. We look forward to continuing our relationship with UK Land Estates on future projects next year.”

Due for completion in April 2025, the redevelopment aligns with UK Land Estates' broader investment programme, which will see tens of millions spent on upgrades across its portfolio.

Tyne Tunnel Estate has already attracted high-profile tenants including Elanders and Lookers, who recently relocated to state-of-the-art facilities, joining tenants such as Ringtons, Kitwave, Jewson, Screwfix and Howdens.

Brandon added: “We are looking to redevelop several sites across our estates in the North East over the next 12 months, representing a multi-million-pound investment in our existing stock.

“We also have ambitions to build a number of new speculative units, due to the pent-up demand for high spec, available industrial space, which is really straining the market at present.

“It is a real show of faith from the company into the North East as a place to do business.”

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