HC Deb 18 April 1989 vol 151 c78W
Mr. Devlin

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what funding has recently been awarded to the Teesside development corporation; and for what projects it has been allocated.

Mr. Trippier

The external financing limit of the Teesside development corporation in 1989–90 has been agreed at £34 million. The corporation will continue to fund a number of major projects, including the redevelopment of the Teesdale area and the Tees offshore base.

Good progress has been made on the reclamation of the Teesdale site, the proposals for which include housing, offices and leisure facilities. The comprehensive redevelopment of this site will require the construction of a new bridge and barrage across the River Tees. These schemes are the subject of a Private Bill which was laid before Parliament in November last year.

The Tees offshore base is being developed as a joint venture between Teesside development corporation and the Tees and Hartlepool port authority. A number of major companies have already located at the base which is expected to provide 1,000 new jobs by the end of 1989.