A major infrastructure scheme at the 150-ha International Advanced Manufacturing Park (IAMP) is now complete thanks to Esh Construction’s civil engineering division.
Esh commenced work on site in February 2019 to construct the infrastructure required to support the first phase of the IAMP development.
IAMP is situated to the north of the Nissan Motor Manufacturing plant, adjacent to the A19 and with excellent links to the A1(M). One of the largest live schemes in the country, it spans 370-acres and is expected to create more than 7,000 new jobs over the next 10-15 years. The project is a joint venture between Sunderland City Council and South Tyneside Council, with HBD appointed as development partner.
The £8.4m contract has seen Esh construct a 1,500-metre highway with two access points along with the installation of pathways, kerbing, traffic signals, associated telecoms and utilities. Bulk earthworks, drainage, landscaping and environmental mitigation works were also undertaken, as well as the creation of four attenuation ponds and a new substation engineered platform.
Steve Wilkie, Executive Director of Esh Construction, said: “IAMP is a huge investment by two local authorities which will deliver a world-class destination for advanced manufacturing and create thousands of jobs for the region over the next 10 to 15 years. For us to deliver the infrastructure works is testament to our trusted, experienced and dedicated staff.
“As a contractor based in the region, we strive to protect the ‘local pound’ and deliver economic benefit for our clients and their communities. Our work on IAMP One and other projects across Sunderland has allowed us to re-invest £12.5m back into the city’s economy through responsible procurement of local suppliers and sub-contractors – something which is paramount across all Esh Construction schemes.”
Tom Wheldon, Director at HBD, said: “IAMP is a shovel-ready site, offering bespoke, world class facilities for advanced manufacturing and engineering businesses across a range of industries.
“IAMP is a nationally significant manufacturing scheme – one of the largest live sites in the UK – with an important role to play in the delivery of the Industrial Strategy. It has never been more important to provide businesses with the facilities, power capabilities and local skills base to encourage innovation and development – we’ve been encouraged by the interest we’ve seen from both UK and International businesses in recent months and look forward to welcoming new occupiers to the site as development work at IAMP progresses.”