£3.8million for Sunderland 5G network and cash to develop site next to Nissan among projects to get slice of £900million 'shovel-ready' projects funding
A total of 21 ‘shovel-ready’ projects have been successful in winning funding to help the North East create jobs and boost businesses as the UK bears up against the effects of the coronavirus crisis.
A total of £900million has been announced by the Government for projects nationwide.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe £3.8million for the “Next Generation Digital Connectivity and Riverside Sunderland Strategic Infrastructure Works" will see the project “deliver 5G and strategic infrastructure works to accelerate the regeneration of Sunderland Riverside and city centre”, according to documents.
Other Sunderland and Durham projects to get funding are:
Hillthorn Employment Zone Energy Infrastructure works – near Sunderland’s Nissan plant. The project will supply 5MW power to the park to help secure investors and free up additional supply for the nearby International Advanced Manufacturing Park.
The announcement document states: “Funding will support works to a substation and connection to three plots. This will unlock the development of 35,303 sqm commercial space on Hillthorn Business Park (within the A19 Low Carbon Enterprise Zone).”
Aykley Heads “Durham Plot C” – the document states “This development will kick start the implementation of the masterplan for the strategically important Aykley Heads employment site in Durham City, creating High quality grade A business space (3,512 sqm), adjacent to existing high tech/digitally enabled businesses.”
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe 21 successful projects in the North East will receive a share of £64.4million from the £900million Getting Building Fund, which was announced by the Prime Minister in June, to invest in shovel-ready housing and infrastructure projects, creating jobs and supporting economic recovery across the country.
The investment, expected to deliver up to 1,310 homes and create up to 4,460 jobs in the North East, was confirmed on Tuesday August 4 by Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick.
Mr Jenrick said the move is part of the Government’s comprehensive plan to deliver upgrades to local infrastructure and boost skills to help fuel a green economic recovery.