Plans to stimulate job growth with the development of a major electricity cable manufacturing facility on the Tyne's riverbanks have been presented to the community.
The enterprise aiming to set up shop in South Shields is LS Eco Advanced Cables Ltd (LSEAC), which is a collaborative venture between Global InterConnection Group, a º£½ÇÊÓƵ firm, and a subsidiary of the South Korean LS Group. The company has initiated an eight-week consultation period regarding its intentions to construct a high-voltage cable production plant with an investment of £923 million.
The creation of 500 direct roles and an estimated additional 1,000 jobs within the supply chain is projected. Details of the venture for the Tyne Renewables Quay site at Tyne Dock, located adjacent to the port's vehicle terminal operations on the river's southern side, are now undergoing a five-week public consultation.
Initially broached last year, these early-stage proposals are inviting input from local residents, business owners, and community groups ahead of a formal planning application to South Tyneside Council expected later in the year, reports . The suggested complex includes manufacturing areas, test facilities, offices, and a notable 202-metre tall tower for extending and coating the cables. LSEAC, seeking significant investment for the project, had formerly proposed to begin production by 2027.
Commenting on the project's significance, LSEAC director Sangdon Lee said: "At a time when the º£½ÇÊÓƵ is moving ever-more-quickly to decarbonising its energy supply, now more than ever there is a huge need for the infrastructure underpinning that transition."
The joint venture expressed their enthusiasm for the proposed sub-sea cable development, emphasising the importance of community engagement, saying: "We're delighted as a joint venture to be proposing this facility for a sub-sea cable development – but we must make it sure it works for the local community. That's why we deeply value the input of everyone in the area to this consultation and encourage people to share their views and shape the future of this project."
LSEAC has committed to collaborating with regional educational institutions to develop the necessary skills for the factory, which aims to support the burgeoning green energy sector by producing high voltage direct current cables for renewable energy transmission.
North East mayor Kim McGuinness said: "We are leading the way to bring this incredible new facility to our region and with it thousands of new jobs. LS Eco Advanced Cables will truly establish North East England as the home of the green energy revolution while also supporting the nation's drive for energy security."
She further highlighted the broader economic benefits: "This long-term investment will create more than 500 high-quality jobs directly, but we know it will also mean thousands more jobs are created as the supply chain grows around our already thriving offshore sector. It will create a new industrial icon – a symbol of our ambition on a global scale to compare with the Swan Hunter cranes that once overlooked the Tyne.
"This is a hugely exciting project for the region and shows we are building for the future- that we are the home of green energy, and that we are open for business with the world."
Baroness Gustafsson, Minister for Investment, commented: "Securing investment is a vital part of our Plan for Change, so I'm delighted to see LSEAC's plans to develop a cable manufacturing facility in South Tyneside. It's transformational investments like these which support local communities by creating high skilled jobs across every part of the country.
"We're serious about fostering the benefits of net zero, that's why we've identified clean energy as a key growth sector in our upcoming modern Industrial Strategy, encouraging further investment into our world-leading industry and helping to boost economic growth."
Matt Beeton, CEO of the Port of Tyne, remarked: "The proposed cable manufacturing facility is a huge generational employment opportunity for people in the North East and complements the region's already impressive advanced manufacturing sector. It demonstrates the ability of the region to attract significant international investors to support the clean energy transition, with the Port of Tyne at its heart."
Kate Osborne MP for Jarrow and Gateshead East commented: "It is brilliant to see the proposals to develop a high voltage cable production facility at the Port of Tyne, for under-sea electricity transmission – this will transport clean energy generated by offshore wind onto º£½ÇÊÓƵ shores. This much needed investment will bring thousands of new jobs to people in Jarrow and Gateshead East, the Port of Tyne is a major employer in my constituency.
"Investment of up to £923m, will really ensure we are an integral part of the º£½ÇÊÓƵ's clean energy transition. It is great to see the North East finally receiving much needed investment into our industrial sector and I am looking forward to having more conversations with the Government, mayor and the Port of Tyne about this development and I am looking forward to all the possibilities this project brings to the region."
Locals are invited to review the cable factory plans at two upcoming events: One Trinity Green, Eldon St, South Shields NE33 1SA on Tuesday May 27 from 4.30 – 8.30pm, and at The Cedarwood Trust, The Avenue, Avon Avenue, North Shields, NE29 7QT on Wednesday May 28 from 4.30 – 8.30pm.
