Gateshead has been given the go-ahead for Network Rails new North-East Maintenance Centre that will redevelop a derelict portion of land.

£5m will be invested by Network Rail to build a two-storey office building, storage facilities and car and cycle parking spaces, bringing together 300 staff from existing offices and sub-depots.

Funds for the construction of the new maintenance centre will come from the sale of the previous centre in Newcastle to Northumbria Police authority.

The estimated time of completion is 12 months and will begin this year.

Paul Rutter, route infrastructure maintenance director for Network Rail said: “This new centre will allow us to bring teams together, creating opportunities to work more efficiently. The centre will manage maintenance of the railway throughout Northumberland and Durham plus the Tyneside, Wearside and Teesside areas.

“This scheme will help regenerate a neglected area of Gateshead and create jobs for the local economy as well as delivering a fantastic new mixed-use development for the local area.”

The remainder of the site, which is owned by 3R Land & Property, has outline planning consent for a 138-bed hotel, 10,000 sq ft of offices, an 8,000 sq ft restaurant and 150 additional car park spaces. This will create a further 150 jobs for Gateshead. JK Property Consultants are handling the search for a developer.

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