New deepwater quay central to Teesworks’ Freeport ambition

Teesworks, the UK’s largest Freeport located on the mouth of the River Tees in North East England, has appointed Faithful+Gould and sister company Atkins to project management construction of the 1km South Bank Quay project.

The scheme which will see the demolition of an existing wharf, jetties and other structures along the river and phase one construction of the 1km-long deep-water quay, including heavy lift platform and concrete paving. Once in operation the quay will accommodate ships from all over the world. 

Other services provided by the Faithful+Gould and Atkins teams – both members of the SNC-Lavalin Group  – include contract administration and supervision, risk management, and project controls coordination.

The project will help unlock Teesworks’ 2,300 acres of land to the south of the River Tees for economic development focusing on innovation, advanced manufacturing, and clean energy. The construction of the quay is also central to plans to make the region the UK’s leading location for manufacturing, storing and mobilising wind turbine technology.

The region’s freeport status means businesses will benefit from a wide package of tax reliefs, simplified customs procedures, streamlined planning processes and government support to promote regeneration and innovation.

Sean Lynch, Director at Faithful+Gould, said, “Being from and living in the area, I am proud to be leading this project and that the South Bank Quay project will be delivered by our office in Stockton-on-Tees.

“This area has so much to offer and we’re proud to be playing our part in a transformation which will set a benchmark for regeneration and subsequent economic growth.”

James Rose, Market Director at Atkins, said, “This is an incredibly exciting and important project which demonstrates the importance of infrastructure investment as we look to level up opportunities across the whole of the UK.

“We now look forward to playing our part in the transformation of the Tees Valley and the subsequent creation of jobs and opportunities which will have lasting impact on surrounding communities.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said, “This South Bank Quay is vital to our clean energy ambitions for the Teesworks site, complementing GE Renewable Energy’s new wind turbine blade manufacturing facility and the advanced manufacturing and industrial space next door.

“This will help create the thousands of good-quality, well-paid jobs local people want to see come to Teesside. Across the Teesworks site local people are helping to breathe new life into the former Redcar steelworks, former steelworkers are returning home to work just minutes away from where they live meaning they can put more money in their pockets for them and their families.”   

In addition, the South Bank Quay project, Atkins has been providing consultancy advice ahead of the demolition of redundant industrial assets across Teesworks, which includes the former SSI Steelworks site; and Faithful+Gould has been designing and establishing a project management office functionality to provide cost, risk and schedule reporting and assurance to the Teesworks team.