AN engineering business park that could create up to 1,500 jobs and generate £46m was yesterday formally approved.

A 32-acre site at South West Iron Masters, in Middlesbrough, has been identified for the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP), targeting the renewable energy industry, such as wind farms.

Middlesbrough Council is working in partnership with Wynyard Park Ltd, the developer behind the successful rebirth of the former Samsung site at Wynyard, between Billingham and Stockton, and AED, a company which devises economic initiatives.

Wynyard Park said it was attempting to replicate a development in South Yorkshire, which has seen a former cokeworks developed into a leading centre for aerospace and nuclear technologies.

The Middlesbrough initiative would initially focus on the “future energy” sector, with research links established with Teesside University and The Welding Institute.

Paul Barber, managing director of Wynyard Park, said: “We will combine all the experience we have gathered at the Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Park, and here at Wynyard Park, to help bring many new, highly-skilled jobs to Middlesbrough.”

The business park was formally backed by Middlesbrough Council’s executive yesterday.

Charlie Rooney, executive member for regeneration and economic development, said: “We see this type of development as a real catalyst for economic growth in the area because it focuses on taking advantage of opportunities presented by the low carbon economy.”

Announcements on the first occupiers are expected in late summer, with construction work starting next year on the Riverside Park site, located between the River Tees and the A66.

AED director Joe Anwyl said: “We have an unparalleled opportunity to develop an energyfocused manufacturing and research park in Middlesbrough.”

The site will develop new technologies and manufacturing techniques for the UK’s renewable energy and oil and gas sectors.

Professor Cliff Hardcastle, of Teesside University, said: “The Advanced Manufacturing Park represents a major opportunity to build for the future on the skills of the past.

“Teesside University is delighted to have the opportunity to use its strengths in research, innovation and training in support of our partners in creating an exciting new future for Middlesbrough and the Tees Valley.”