A LEADING North-East public transport firm is to move to new facilities following a £7.7m investment.

UK Land Estates said yesterday that it had submitted a planning application for a new purpose built bus depot and support facilities for Go North East.

The new facility, close to the MetroCentre in Gateshead, will replace the firm's two existing facilities in the borough, which employ around 560 staff.

Go North East managing director Peter Huntley said: "This submission signals a hugely significant investment in Gateshead by Go North East and underlines our commitment to continue to provide jobs for local people.

"The new facilities will continue our CO2 reductions, and make our operations even more efficient for customers.

"We have been working towards this moment for a number of years and UK Land have been an outstanding and supportive partner in this project."

Michael Spriggs, Managing Director of UK Land Estates said: "We are delighted to be able to satisfy Go North East's requirements and will be working together closely to ensure that the facility meets all their specifications."

The new depot will cover approximately 2.38 hectares and consist of workshops, storage, office, canteen, mess room and training facilities with external testing and bus fleet parking areas.

Work on the new depot, designed by TTH Architects, should start next year and be completed in 2013.