The Port of Tyne in north-east England has outlined proposals to build a 400-metre deepwater quay and convert 230 acres into a clean energy park to support offshore wind and advanced manufacturing.
The £150 redevelopment plan could create up to 12,000 jobs and provide a £5.6bn boost to the economy, according to an independent study by WSP.
The new facility, which has the backing of public leaders including UK transport secretary Heidi Alexander and North East Mayor Kim McGuinness, would be located in an industrial strategy zone that offers similar tax relief to freeports.
McGuinness said: “The potential for this site is huge. It could generate thousands of clean energy jobs which will benefit the region in the long-term and further establish a real hub for renewables and offshore sectors on the bank of the Tyne. I look forward to seeing how the project progresses.”
Port of Tyne chief executive Matt Beeton added: “Located close to emerging North Sea wind arrays, this nationally strategic site offers deep-water access and a major development footprint to enable the creation of world-class infrastructure to support a growing supply chain.”