SIEMENS SITE SET FOR REGENERATION

The city council is pressing forward with plans to regenerate the former Siemens sites on the Shields Road and the Fossway.

Newcastle College propose to create a new Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Construction and Renewable Energy on one part of the site including a prestigious landmark building.

Greg Stone, Newcastle East Parliamentary Spokesman, said: "We think this will be an excellent use for a site given its long tradition of energy-related engineering.

"This will help to support economic development, training opportunities and jobs in the East End."

The plan is that the new facility will open in 2011/12.

Councillor Stone, who represents North Heaton, added: "We would like to see a mix of uses for the remainder of the site including workspace for small businesses and community enterprises and affordable housing.

"We also want to see the road system improved in this area - the junction at Newcastle Shopping Park is a nightmare and badly needs to be redesigned."