DEVELOPERS of a £200m riverside regeneration project say the scheme will create three times as many jobs as first anticipated.

Branmore Investments originally thought plans to transform derelict dockland at East Holborn, in South Shields, would generate 300 jobs.

But more detailed assessment of the proposed site has led planners to conclude that figure will be closer to 1,000.

The figure emerged on the day that first artist's impressions were released to the public. The images show a drastically improved quayside area.

Branmore acquired the derelict former Middle Docks yard in 2001, and applied to South Tyneside Metropolitan Borough Council for outline planning permission in March last year. The developer hopes to create a landmark riverside development to rival of Salford Quays, in Hull and Gateshead Newcastle.

The dockland conversion will take eight years to complete.

Extra jobs on top of the 1,000 permanent posts will be created during the construction phases.

The work, much of which will be in building maintenance, retail and leisure, marina support and clerical and professional services, is much needed in an area of high deprivation.

The development is in the council's Rekendyke ward, an area where unemployment runs at 12.9 per cent, the highest in the borough and well above the national average.

When completed, the site will boast a new waterfront environment with residential, leisure, cultural and commercial use.

It will include a riverside promenade, a marina with boat lift and moorings for leisure boats, high quality homes, four star hotel and conference facilities, restaurants and promenade cafes, health and fitness facilities, community shops and office accommodation.

Alan Mordain, director of Branmore, said he wanted to develop a European gateway to the region.

"This development will change the face of our riverside and put South Tyneside on the map.

"It will play a key part in South Tyneside's regeneration, in terms of jobs and bringing an old industrial wasteland to life.

"Our scheme rivals the very best of riverside development schemes in not just the UK, but around Europe.

We are creating an internationally recognised gateway to the Northern region."