BALFOUR Beatty Civil Engineering has been appointed by South Tyneside Council to develop a £2.3m waterfront park on the South Shields riverside.

Harton Quays Park will stretch along the Tyne from South Shields ferry landing to the Customs House and feature curved embankments, a refreshments kiosk, promenade and amphitheatre.

The project is joint-funded by South Tyneside Council and the Homes and Communities Agency and work will get under way next month.

Councillor Michael Clare, lead member regeneration and economy, said: “We are determined local businesses will benefit and have set Balfour Beatty Civil Engineering a target for 25% of all sub-contractor spend to be retained within South Tyneside.”

The park is part of the regeneration for South Shields Riverside, due for completion in 2013.