Tyneside will be the home of the headquarters of a new body to regulate and manage the sea around England.
The region has been chosen as the home of the new super agency – the Marine Management Organsation (MMO) – by Marine and Fisheries Minister Huw Irranca-Davies.
The MMO, which will protect the UK’s coastal waters, is part of the Government’s pioneering Marine and Coastal Access Bill and brings together several marine departments in one super agency for the first time. It will be a centre of expertise to promote sustainable development of the sea and coast.
It’s a decision that was made possible after strong support from the region’s key business investment agencies. Tyne and Wear Development Company, the area’s inward investment agency, successfully led an investment team that worked closely with DEFRA to help Tyneside beat off competition from other sites in the UK.
Tyne and Wear Development Company, working closely with Newcastle City Council and North Tyneside Council, paved the way for the successful decision by hosting a key visit for officials from DEFRA last November. It also flew the flag for Tyne and Wear by providing a detailed proposal outlining the strengths of the region. Local MPs Alan Campbell and Nick Brown lobbied on behalf of the region.
Paul Buie, manager of Tyne and Wear Development Company, welcomed the decision saying: “We have been involved with DEFRA on the MMO project for some time and we are delighted that the new HQ will be established on Tyneside.
“The competition was strong but Tyne and Wear is an excellent location and was able to call on key support from within the region. We have a proud tradition and excellent skills base in the maritime and marine industries.
“Locating the MMO here will create new opportunities for the region and deliver a good mix of skilled jobs over time. It’s an exciting development that will ensure Tyneside becomes an international centre of marine expertise.
“Now that this decision has been taken we will be working closely with our partners to assist DEFRA and ensure that the MMO establishes a successful long-term presence on Tyneside.”
Huw Irranca-Davies said: “Tyneside was chosen for several reasons, not least because of its broad range and good balance of marine interests. It has a working port, a busy local fishing industry, and businesses including offshore renewable energy development, all of which fit well with the MMO’s role.”
Barry Richardson, senior manager, economic development at Newcastle City Council said: “We have a great package of knowledge, complementary skills and support which will add value to the work of the MMO, and look forward to supporting the new organisation as they establish themselves in the area.”
John Harrison, Elected Mayor of North Tyneside said: “North Tyneside has a proud track record of attracting inward investment from both the public and private sectors. Together with our partners in the sub region we are creating a business infrastructure that continues to attract quality investors.
“We are delighted to welcome the Marine Management Organisation to the area. We are committed to building on our existing marine sector success, for example through the regeneration of the North bank of the Tyne which will provide new employment and learning opportunities for local people.”