Columnist

A clear vision for future success

The year ahead promises to be another transformative one for South Tyneside.

Sitting at the forefront of the UK’s green economy, our proximity to the world’s largest offshore wind farm Dogger Bank has attracted new businesses looking to capitalise on the future of the energy sector and diversify the borough’s economy. 

The internationally significant Port of Tyne serves as the region’s gateway to global markets and trade, providing importing, exporting and supply chain opportunities to global companies. 

The International Advanced Manufacturing Park, with investment zone status, showcases our dedication to fostering growth and establishing an environment conducive to private sector innovation and investment. 

And our breathtaking coastal location and cultural assets attract more than seven million visitors a year. 

We have a strong track record of successful delivery and investment in growth, and over the next 12 months, we’re confident this momentum will show no signs of slowing down.

Around £20 million of Government funding will support investment into the Customs House and the relocation of South Tyneside College, bringing 9000 students into the town centre and increasing the pipeline of skilled talent into the labour force.  

Investments include Jarrow Focus, a new leisure, theatre and library facility, and a comparable £13 million facility - Hebburn Central. 

Other investments include upgrades to Jarrow’s Viking Shopping Centre and Hebburn’s Mountbatten Shopping Centre, as well as the introduction of renewable energy schemes in both towns. 

We are also working closely with local community members in Jarrow after the Government committed £20 million from its Long-Term Plan for Towns fund. 

A new town board is managing the development of a masterplan for Jarrow.  

In Hebburn too, the feedback of more than 1000 residents from public consultation in ‘Our Hebburn Conversation’ is being used to shape future plans for the town.

With an ambitious, people-first approach to transform a once industrial area, South Tyneside continues to attract record levels of private and public sector investment, helping to reshape the borough and strengthen the connections between people and their communities.

As a council, we also remain keen to engage with investors and national and regional delivery partners.

They can bring their commercial and technical expertise to the project development process, and work with us to refine the portfolio of investment opportunities, which will enable us to transform our borough and surrounding communities. 

We have a clear vision of future success, creating an environment conducive to private sector innovation and investment.

But capitalising on such growth opportunities will require partnership working.

We are committed to pioneering collaborative ways of working with investors and delivery partners to ensure the borough achieves its full potential.

Councillor Tracey Dixon is leader of South Tyneside Council

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