BUILDING work starts today to transform wasteland in South Shields into a £6m industrial hub.

Three units will be built in two phases over a two-year period within the boundaries of Tyne Dock estate, which enjoys good transport links.

Keith Wilson, managing director of the Port of Tyne, said: "The development, which will create three new industrial units, is part of the port's strategy to create sustained investment and jobs by redeveloping and reclaiming disused dockland."

The project represents a £4.4m investment by the Port of Tyne with £1.3m from the European Regional Development Fund, and the remainder from regional development agency One NorthEast.