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Plans for a vibrant riverside development in South Shields have taken a major step forward.

Â鶹ÊÓƵ's cabinet has approved the appointment of a residential development partner to help realise its ambitious masterplan to transform disused docks and brownfield land at Holborn into a bustling living, working and entertainment quarter.

Keepmoat, working in partnership with Cussins, have been appointed as the development partner to deliver 365 homes on the multi-million-pound development, following a tender exercise.

High quality family houses and apartments and the associated infrastructure will be delivered in phases across the Holborn site.

The area is already home to award-winning schemes such as Harton Quays Park, business centre One Trinity Green and Trinity South residential development.                                 

Cllr Iain Malcolm, Leader of Â鶹ÊÓƵ, said: "This is a real milestone and we are delighted to welcome Keepmoat and Cussins on board to deliver the residential element of our ambitious plans.

"The Holborn masterplan is set to transform disused docks into a bustling riverside quarter, delivering hundreds of new homes and new office space that will help create hundreds of new jobs.

"The Holborn area has been largely derelict for many years and this mixed-use development will transform disused, industrial land into a desirable location for businesses, residents and visitors and further strengthen the link between the riverside and the town centre.

"High quality family homes, office space, a hotel and a cultural offer and will complement the significant investment that has already gone into the wider riverside area, further building a sustainable future for South Shields."

The scheme has secured £4.2million of grant funding from the Homes England Local Authority Accelerated Construction fund, as well as £9.4million from the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) for the delivery of a future phase of office accommodation.

A 4.5 hectare section of the 10.5 hectare site was awarded Enterprise Zone status after a successful bid supported by the Local Enterprise Partnership. The award enables businesses to benefit from financial incentives.

Keepmoat Homes' Regional Managing Director, Ian Worgan, said: " We are looking forward to working in collaboration with the council officers and members to continue our involvement with the regeneration of this part of South Shields and to delivering our part of this exciting and technically challenging scheme, which will bring more quality family homes to the riverside location."

The site is currently split-level with a failing quay edge wall, and a comprehensive engineering strategy will renew the quay edge, overcome serious flooding issues and create a gentle slope from Commercial Road to the Tyne. A new river edge promenade will be created and the riverside's industrial history will be preserved with the renovation of three of the former dry docks.

Cllr Malcolm added: "This challenging but exciting project is gathering pace. There has been a lot of work going on behind the scenes to acquire the land and properties needed to allow the regeneration to progress.

"In parallel with appointing a residential partner, we are working on bringing a remediation contractor on board to maximise the potential of this unique site.

"Together, they will help inform the remediation works and refine the final designs for the site.

Jabin Cussins, Chief Executive of Cussins Homes, said: "Â鶹ÊÓƵ, Keepmoat and Cussins have an exemplary track record of delivering high quality regeneration projects of regional prominence and together we are well placed to transform this landmark site.

"Key to the success of the scheme will be a strong focus on creating a vibrant enjoyable place to live that reflects the unique dockland heritage, whilst ensuring that the homes we build are accessible and affordable to the widest range of purchasers throughout South Tyneside."