WORK has started on a trade park at the Tyne Tunnel.

The 48,000sq ft development by UK Land Estates is the first new-build development at Tyne Tunnel for more than ten years.

It consists of 11 factory/warehouse units along with secure car parking.

Located in the Tyne Tunnel Estate, the development is next to the A19 Tyne Tunnel approach road and A1058 Coast Road, and lies within a quarter of a mile of the Silverlink Retail Park.

The estate covers over one million square feet.

UK Land Estates development surveyor Geoff Clark said: "The speculative development of Tyne Tunnel Trade Park builds on the estate improvements and refurbishment programme UK Land Estates has carried out since acquiring Tyne Tunnel Estate in 2001.

"The provision of the Trade Park marks the first stage of a comprehensive masterplan which establishes this key strategic location as a prime commercial business park for the 21st Century."

The site will be constructed by Metnor Construction and is due for completion in October.

Letting agents DTZ Tie Leung and Knight Frank have already registered a high level of interest in the development and interests in a number of units are in the hands of solicitors.