Esh’s civil engineering division has successfully completed two schemes at Port of Sunderland as part of a multi-million-pound expansion programme to make the port more attractive to potential investors.
Commencing on site earlier this year, remedial works to the 3km port perimeter road including repairs, new concrete sections and a realignment of 350m of new flexible carriageway are now complete. The road improvements were commissioned to cater for future traffic flows as the port continues to attract increased business.
Elsewhere, the transformation of the nine-acre East Shore development site – which was granted Enterprise Zone status in 2017 – comprised initial groundworks and remediation of the site as well as the installation of a surface water drainage system.
Designed to enhance the connectivity within the port and particularly within its Enterprise Zone sites, the projects will enhance the port’s multi-modal capabilities and provide an added incentive to investors looking to establish a long-term operation on the site.
The overall £8.2m investment, which includes the road works and enabling works, was awarded by the North East LEP and is the latest in a programme of wider strategic investment across Sunderland to enable export-driven activities to take place and to build on the existing growth at Port of Sunderland.
Steve Conn, Divisional Director at Esh Construction, said: “Esh’s work at Port of Sunderland adds to several competitive tenders we have previously won to undertake work as part of the city’s regeneration – including infrastructure works at the International Advanced Manufacturing Park (IAMP) and Enterprise Zone – and follows figures released showcasing our £12.4m investment into Sunderland’s economy through responsible procurement of local suppliers and sub-contractors for projects we have delivered in the city.
“These works will provide access to key development land that will ensure the Port maximises its potential and gets the most out of its estate.”
Matthew Hunt, Port Director, said: “Port of Sunderland has committed significant investment in its estate and assets in recent years, and the work to our roads is the latest in a long line of improvements that will serve to make it a more capable location for traditional port handling services as well as a more attractive investment proposition for businesses looking to secure a long-term base here.”
Councillor Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council – which owns the port – and chair of the port board, said: “The port is a major asset and each time it benefits from investment, it pays dividends.
“A successful port can have a significant impact on Sunderland’s fortunes in the long term, and we look forward to seeing the impact of the latest programme of work. In the short term, the use of a North East contractor and the fact that wealth will be shared with a local supply chain, is fantastic and demonstrates our commitment to community wealth building – keeping the Sunderland pound close to home.”
The two schemes at Port of Sunderland add to further projects currently underway for Esh’s civil engineering division within the sector, having recently secured contracts to deliver works at Port of Tyne and PD Ports Hartlepool.
Port of Sunderland has committed significant investment in its estate and assets in recent years, and the work to our roads is the latest in a long line of improvements that will serve to make it a more capable location for traditional port handling services as well as a more attractive investment proposition for businesses looking to secure a long-term base here.”
