International Advanced Manufacturing Park (IAMP)

Esh Construction was appointed to deliver carriageway upgrade works on the A1290, dualling the existing carriageway between the A1290/A19 junction and just beyond the southern entrance of International Drive at the International Advanced Manufacturing Park (IAMP).

The £11.4 million contract was awarded through NEPO, with Esh working in partnership with IAMP LLP, a limited liability partnership established by South Tyneside Council and Sunderland City Council.

IAMP is situated north of the Nissan Motor Manufacturing plant, adjacent to the A19 with links to the A1(M), and is recognised as a nationally significant project. The scheme spans 370-acres and is expected to create over 7,000 new jobs in the next 10 years.

The carriageway upgrade project was split across three construction areas which were phased to minimise the use of lane closures and temporary traffic lights, with the majority of new 1,550m length of carriageway constructed off-line. Accompanying drainage system works, including the construction of supporting swales and attenuation ponds, as well as street lighting, traffic signals, pedestrian crossings and landscaping works were also undertaken.

Two-way traffic flows were maintained throughout the construction works with some works required under traffic signal control. Traffic management was monitored during busy shift changes to accommodate adjacent IAMP businesses.

Through Esh’s award-winning Building My Skills programme, over 2,700 learner hours have supported secondary school students, engaging local schools in Sunderland with career mentoring and mock interviews. 

The project has provided 240 training weeks for apprentices, and 10 weeks of work experience to give young people a helpful insight into the construction industry. Opportunities have been created for those not in employment, education or training and the long-term unemployed throughout the project, with more than 30 full-time equivalent local jobs created or retained. 

To support sustainability efforts, 32,500 tonnes of waste from landfill was diverted through recycling and reuse initiatives. We also re-invested £6.1 million within the local supply chain spanning within 30 miles of Sunderland, maximising economic impact in the region and demonstrating a strong commitment to creating lasting benefits for the community.