Nissan helps to lead town’s renaissance

Feb 20 2008 by Danny Cramman for The Journal

NISSAN’S recent decision to create 800 jobs to deal with growing demand for its Qashqai model is excellent news for the region and for Washington’s hub of automotive component manufacturers. It is estimated that 400 posts will be created throughout Nissan’s local supply base.

Nissan’s Sunderland plant goes from strength to strength. It is now the home of the only global training centre for production outside Japan, under- pinning the long-term economic health of the location.

The car manufacturer is going ahead with a £4.5m expansion of its Sunderland car plant, and property developers Wilton and Clugston will build a new business park on part of Nissan’s Washington site.

The disposal of land by Nissan will enable the company to develop a new 18,600sqm (200,000sqft) logistics centre to handle inbound parts, which are increasingly coming from further afield in bulk volume.

The town’s location, close to the A1(M) and A19, superbly positioned between Newcastle, Sunderland and Durham, has attracted international and national commercial investors.

Easter Developments have constructed a 100,000sqft warehouse adjacent to the Nissan complex. The unit is constructed to a high standard with both level and dock-level loading facilities, 10m eaves and large secure yard area.

Washington’s accessibility appeals to all sectors, and it is recognised as one of the best big-shed sites in the region. Major retailers such as Asda have taken large warehouses and continue to show an interest in further expansion in the area. The 18-hectare (45-acre) former Dunlop site has been earmarked for big-shed development with a masterplan currently being drawn up.

GVA Lamb and Edge marketed a five-hectare (13-acre) site on the Pattinson Industrial Estate last year on behalf of English Partnerships next to Asda’s warehouse. The site attracted a high level of interest and is now under offer to the preferred developer.

Since Washington was designated a New Town in 1964 it has capitalised on its central location, strong supply of employees and accessibility to Nissan to attract developers and occupiers over the years. Its ability to adapt to changing circumstances augurs well for the future.

Danny Cramman is an associate director in the industrial agency of GVA Lamb and Edge.

PAGE TWO: Dense housing provides captive audience