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Former dockyards to be brought back into use

Jonny Manning
BBC News, North East and Cumbria
Tim Richardson/UK Docks Marine Services Four men standing inside a dry dock. They are wearing hard hats and hi-vis jackets. They appear very small because of the size of the dock's walls on either side of them. A large metal gate stands in front of them leading to the river.Tim Richardson/UK Docks Marine Services
The larger of the two docks on the River Tees will allow the company to repair bigger vessels

Millions of pounds are to be spent bringing two former docks back into use.

UK Docks Marine Services already operates two of the former Smith's dry docks on the River Tees in Middlesbrough and has now agreed a long-term lease for the remaining two.

It means the Smith's dockyards will be run by the same company for the first time since they closed in 1987.

Managing director Jonathan Wilson said the company would be redeveloping the 10-acre (4ha) site over the next few years.

"We see a lot of potential and possibilities in the site and have a five-year plan to maximise it as an asset," he said.

"Work will start immediately bringing it back to life and we expect to have it effectively operational again very soon."

A lease has been agreed with the site's owner PD Ports.

Tim Richardson/UK Docks Marine Services Dan Haslar, senior property manager at PD Ports congratulates UK Docks founder Harry Wilson and his sons Gary, Jonathan and Chris. All five men are wearing yellow hi-vis jackets and hard hats. Mr Haslar's hat is orange. They are standing at the docks.Tim Richardson/UK Docks Marine Services
UK Docks Marine Services struck a deal with PD Ports to lease the docks

UK Docks Marine Services specialises in ship repair and was founded in South Shields, South Tyneside, in 1992.

Along with its existing two docks in Teesside, the company operates a repair berth, cranes, workshops and storage facility on the site.

Its new docks will measure 383ft by 56.8ft (120m by 17.3m) and 575ft by 73ft (175.25m by 22.25m), with the larger of the two allowing the company to repair bigger vessels.

Mr Wilson said: "Already, we've taken on extra staff with more to follow.

"We plan to modernise it, upgrade the facilities, and expand many of the services we already provide next door.

"Having four docks will allow us to look for new opportunities and expand on our existing services and facilities."

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