SOUTH Tyneside is at the heart of the region’s emerging low-carbon economy. Industries, technologies and coal from the North East powered the global industrial revolution of the last century and now the region is firmly at the centre of the emerging low-carbon technology revolution.

South Tyneside’s low-carbon credentials are growing and reinforcing the borough’s reputation as a home for low-carbon businesses and an ideal destination for inward investment.

Construction of a state-of-the-art business facility is under way in South Shields.

It will become home to a number of the new low-carbon businesses establishing themselves in the area.

With more than 40 flexible office, workshop and hybrid units, the “Green Incubator” will provide 30,000sq ft of high-quality managed workspace and business support for new and growing companies in the low-carbon and environmental sectors.

The £5m project is being developed by South Tyneside Council, in partnership with Groundwork South Tyneside and Newcastle, and is being part-funded by £2.46m from the European Union's European Regional Development Fund Competitiveness Programme 2007-2013.

Designed by Plus Three Architecture of Newcastle upon Tyne, the three-storey building will incorporate state-of-the-art environmental energy systems and will be one of only a few in the UK to achieve a BREEAM “Outstanding” rating.

The main contractor is Robertson North East, who commenced work in April 2011.The building is due to be complete in June 2012.

Designed by Plus Three Architecture, the building will incorporate state-of-the-art environmental energy systems