Robertson North East to deliver TeesAMP business park

Teesside steel will be used to build a major "go to place" for next-generation firms on the banks of the Tees.

Robertson, which has its North-east headquarters in Gateshead, has been appointed as the main contractor for the project.

TeesAMP could bring up to 1,000 jobs and deliver "long-term prosperity to the region for generations to come".

Robertson will deliver the business park will address a national shortage of high quality buildings for the advanced manufacturing sector and developers are in talks with a "number of companies" about moving in.

Teesside firms have been hired to take the project from blueprint to reality - and more are being sought.

They include Stockton contractor Nationwide Structures, which will deliver a steel fabrication contract worth £1.3m, using steel from Redcar's British Steel.

'Steel will come from Redcar; that's about as local as you can get' Stockton firm Nationwide Structures contracted to help build £55m TeesAMP

Andy Dagnall, regional manager of Nationwide Structures, said: "We aim to use as much local steel as possible – around 90% will come from British Steel in Redcar.

"I think that's about as local as you can get.

"Sourcing local materials is a huge benefit to industry in the area and we're delighted to have been appointed."

Geoff Hogg, of Cleveland Property Investments, who is working with Middlesbrough Council and Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) to bring the park to life , said: "It is fantastic that all the work that has been going on in the background since Business Secretary Greg Clark visited in September has paid off.

"We are in talks with a number of companies who are interested in moving to TeesAMP – bringing high-quality advanced manufacturing jobs with them – and that's what it's all about."

Garry Hope, managing director of Robertson North East, said: "We always seek to use as local a supply base as possible on our projects.

"Given the strong steel heritage of the Tees Valley, it was particularly important that we were able to commission a local steel fabricator."

British Steel will supply almost all the 750 tonnes needed to build the scheme.

Richard Farnsworth, British Steel's managing director construction, said: "We're proud to see our steel helping create exciting, fresh futures.

"TeesAMP will help advance UK manufacturing and will bring new organisations into the area, something I'm sure the local community will welcome.

"This project is a great example of how the supply chain can work together to boost local communities, economies and industries.

"It sends out a strong message that the Tees Valley is forward-thinking, vibrant and ambitious. I wish all involved every success."

Middlesbrough company Elemech has also been appointed to provide temporary electrics at the park, which is on the site of the former Newport Iron Works and Newport Dry Colour Works/

A £25m green energy plant at the site, by operator Ener-G Park Biogas Ltd, was given the green light in May, meanwhile the site is already home to TWI's £10.8m North East base.

The first units will be ready by December.