The second phase of works to transform the Centre for Innovation (CFI) at Swans, Wallsend, has recently concluded.
Following its appointment in March 2019, by North Tyneside Council main contractor Surgo Construction (Surgo) handed over the £1.5million project, in October this year.
Surgo’s remit on Phase 2 was to completely remodel and refurbish the vacant upper three floors of the building to transform the space to meet demand from businesses from the offshore energy and subsea sectors looking to locate to the region.
The completed works have led to the creation of an additional 940 square metres of office and meeting room accommodation, created flexible space for up to 10 businesses, along with a new car park and a reconfiguration of the reception area, which has created a more contemporary and welcoming entrance to the building.
As a result of the work, this latest project builds on the success of the first phase of the CFI, which opened in 2016 and provides 760 square metres of office accommodation. Current tenants include Rever Offshore, Swan Hunter NE Ltd and ALE Heavylift.
Its enviable position within the River Tyne North Bank Low Carbon Enterprise Zone has made the CFI an ideal base for small and medium-sized businesses specialising in the advanced engineering, sub-sea, marine, oil, gas and offshore renewable energy sectors.
The project also plays a key part in delivering the local authority’s ambitions for North Tyneside.
It is believed that being able to offer high quality accommodation in such a key position on the River Tyne will only strengthen the borough’s position as a first-class location for oil, gas, renewable and maritime industries from all over the world.
The project received £1.39million from the Government’s Local Growth Deal through the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (NELEP). The Local Growth Deal is supporting major capital investments to promote innovation, economic and skills infrastructure and sustainable transport as part of the North East Growth Deal.