Southbay Civil Engineering relocates HQ to Gateshead
The firm, which specialises in marine construction, has been based in North Tyneside for almost two decades and is going south of the river to focus on expansion.
The company represented themselves in negotiations and is taking 6,000 sq ft at Moongate House, Team Valley, on a 10-year lease.
Previously located at Cumberland Road in North Shields, Southbay specialises in marine civil engineering projects including the design and build of quaysides and jetties, as well as the construction and repair of other coastal structures.
The firm is delivering repair works to Roker Pier in Sunderland, South Shields Pier, North Shields Pier, and the North Shields Ferry Landing in North Tyneside.
On Teesside, Southbay is upgrading the Redcar bulk terminal at Teesworks.
The 60-person team has recruited six new staff within its commercial, estimating, and marketing departments.
Southbay’s clients include the Port of Tyne Authority, Shepherd Offshore, North Shields Fish Quay Company, and Brett Aggregates, as well as local authorities, harbour commissions, RNLI, and petrochemical firms.
Managing director Paul Stephenson said: “The ongoing growth in the renewable energy sector has led to a great deal of new investment in harbours and ports across the UK to accommodate new offshore wind facilities.
“As wind turbine construction increases in size and quantity, port infrastructure also must be developed.”
Southbay’s operations director, Antony Ballantyne, added: “We are a North East business which has grown organically over the past 20 years to establish a reputation as one of the UK’s leading maritime civil engineering contractors.
“Our investment in new premises, recruitment, training and technology means we are well placed to take a big step forward in our new home at Moongate House.
“Traditionally, our work is a mixture of repairs to old quayside structures and the construction of new facilities, however we have certainly seen our workload in harbours and ports grow in recent years.
“Our clients are spending their money wisely by maintaining their existing assets but also investing in new marine infrastructure.”
