A partnership has come to the rescue of an ageing quay structure that is essential to the future of the region’s fishing industry.
Decades of constant use by fishing vessels, together with the impact of North Sea tides and weather, have taken their toll on Western Quay, a major berthing structure at the western end of North Shields Fish Quay, which is in need of urgent repair.
Owned by Port of Tyne and leased to North Shields Fish Quay Co Ltd, the structure has been found to be at risk of imminent closure.
But now a partnership – brought together by North Tyneside Council - have signed an agreement to deliver a £5.75m scheme to carry out a major engineering solution to ensure Western Quay serves the industry and wider regeneration at North Shields Fish Quay for future decades.
And work on the project will begin on site from 16 November.
The work, to be project managed by the Port of Tyne, is to be funded by a £2m award from the European Fisheries Fund, £1.55m from North Tyneside Council, £1.2 m from One North East and £1m from Port of Tyne.
The project has the full support of the local fishing community.
It has been developed from the findings of a feasibility study, commissioned by North Tyneside Council from Halcrow that highlighted the value of the Western Quay to the local economy, particular through the jobs it supports.
The study recommended a full re-instatement to preserve the fishing industry and support the ongoing regeneration of the Fish Quay.
