Demolition decision ‘prepares next phase of International Advanced Manufacturing Park growth’

Development bosses have hailed a demolition decision they say will help spark further investment at a sprawling business hub.

The derelict Elliscope Farm and West Moor Farm are to be razed to the ground to create extra space on the 150-acre International Advanced Manufacturing Park (IAMP).

Both will be pulled down later this year, subject to final approval from Natural England.

IAMP, which straddles Sunderland and South Tyneside, has already secured French car parts firm SNOP and trim maker Faltec, while it was recently announced as the preferred location for Envision AESC’s proposed £450 million, 750-job electric vehicle battery making plant.

A Nightingale Centre also currently stands on the site.

Councillor Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “We all knew the potential of IAMP, given its proximity to Nissan and exceptional infrastructure supporting it, but our ability to rapidly transform this site from undeveloped land into a powerhouse manufacturing site has been key in IAMP’s success so far.

“We have been proactive in ensuring that the site is shovel-ready for development at every stage, and this latest demolition round is part of that effort.

“We look forward to carrying on with our huge success to date in attracting investment in IAMP that ultimately benefits local people and businesses.”

Jonathan Tew, chief executive at South Tyneside Council, added: “This is another significant milestone in bringing forward the IAMP site.

“Removing these derelict buildings will allow us to rapidly advance development on IAMP.

“IAMP represents a huge opportunity for South Tyneside and Sunderland, giving us a vast amount of space to develop on, creating more and better jobs for local people.”

IAMP has been backed by the Government through the Local Growth Deal fund, channelled via the North East Local Enterprise Partnership, to deliver infrastructure improvements including new roads, bridges and environmental enhancements to support the development.

The Local Growth Deal is supporting major capital investments to promote innovation, economic and skills infrastructure and sustainable transport as part of the North East Growth Deal.