WORK is underway on the final building at AMEC's £170m Quayside development in Newcastle.

The mayor of the city took the controls of a JCB digger for the official ground-breaking ceremony of Keel Row House.

The celebration marked the start of construction work at the site with developer AMEC, architects Ryder Company and the future occupiers, Ward Hadaway.

The leading law firm already has its headquarters in the adjacent Sandgate House at Quayside.

Designed by award-winning architects Ryder Company of Newcastle, Keel Row House will complete AMEC's £170m flagship Quayside development that has transformed the waterfront to a business and leisure centre to rival any major city.

At the ceremony, Councillor Thomson, said: "It is a real honour to break ground at Keel Row House, which will complete AMEC's stunning Quayside development.

"The start on site of the final building is a significant milestone in the regeneration of the area.

"The scheme, with its high level of car parking. housing, restaurants, luxury hotel, leisure facilities and riverside walkway has brought thousands of pounds of new business to the city and a vista which is now recognised world-wide.

"I look forward to visiting the completed development."

Paul Parry, managing director of AMEC Developments, said: "We are very proud of Quayside and delighted to be completing the scheme with another quality building for Ward Hadaway.

"The growth and expansion of Ward Hadaway into its second building at the development is a measure of the success of Quayside.

"This is the culmination of years of work in partnership with the Tyne and Wear Development Corporation and the City Council which continues to attract investment and visitors from across the world."

Ward Hadaway has once more turned to Ryder to design the new building. Ryder was responsible for designing the law firm's existing headquarters at Sandgate House.