Multi-million pound expansion completed at the Port of Sunderland

The port underwent development after areas of its estate were granted Enterprise Zone (EZ) status in 2017.

The civil engineering division of Esh Construction was appointed to lead the transformation of the port’s East Shore development site – which it says is now ‘open for business’.

Esh Construction carried out initial groundworks and remediation of the site, installing a surface water drainage system there.

Matthew Hunt, director at Port of Sunderland, said: “We are delighted to be able to announce that the East Shore is now open for business and we are confident that this latest investment will help make us yet-more capable of handling increased levels of cargo and position us as a port of call for businesses looking to innovate and grow in the North of England.

“In addition to our fantastic natural location, our Enterprise Zone status also brings with it the added incentive of enhanced capital allowances, and the infrastructure works completed by Esh Construction will ensure that – combined with these benefits – the port is an even more attractive proposition for businesses looking to grow as we prepare for life post-pandemic.”

The expansion was designed to make the port more attractive to potential investors and provide an added incentive to those looking to establish a long-term operation on the site.

The North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has made the port a key focus in when considering maritime investment and job creation.

Backed by the council, the city is also working to support private sector investors into Sunderland.

Andrew Moffat, chair of the North East LEP Investment Board, added: “Port of Sunderland is an intermodal hub that continues to reap significant benefits from investments made in the site.

"Its status as an Enterprise Zone will help create more and better jobs by providing the right environment for businesses to scale and grow.

"As well as being a strategic site for a number of existing industries in the North East, Port of Sunderland, along with Port of Tyne and Port of Blyth, provides access to significant North Sea offshore wind market opportunities, making it an attractive site for investors and businesses working in emerging sectors.”

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