BT South Tyneside signs 14 year lease on new business centre

BT has signed a long term agreement with South Tyneside Council to occupy a new business centre on the landmark Harton Staithes site in South Shields.

The 43,000 sq ft building will accommodate BT’s Local Government operations alongside other functions potentially providing workspace for up to 500 staff.

The lease is currently subject to planning permission and the satisfactory appointment of a building contractor, but it is anticipated the agreement will be finalised in early 2010, with a fourteen and a half year lease beginning the following year.

The state-of-the-art building will help showcase South Tyneside as an attractive area for businesses to set up home, hopefully creating new jobs and attracting further inward investment to the area.

Margie Burdis, BT South Tyneside chief executive, said: “The signing of this lease demonstrates BT’s commitment to and our belief in the future prosperity of South Tyneside. Today’s economic climate is proving to be difficult for many companies, but we are confident that the investment in this new building coupled with the proud traditions and work ethics of this area, will help us to attract other organisations and jobs to the borough of South Tyneside.”

Councillor Iain Malcolm, the leader of South Tyneside Council, said: “Signing this lease marks an important stage in our exciting master plan to transform South Shields riverside. This prestigious building will house BT’s Local Government headquarters bringing hundreds of quality jobs and boosting trade in the town with the new office workers using the shops, services and leisure facilities.”

David Cramond, director of capital development at One North East, said: “It is pleasing to see such good progress being made on this first development at Harton Staithes.

“This landmark building will catalyse one of the North East’s biggest regeneration schemes, which will transform the riverside in South Shields and attract new employment opportunities to the region.”