Balfour Beatty started work at the end of the park

Building giant Balfour Beatty has started work on a £ 2.3m end of the park in South Tyneside. And the company, which serves more than 200 staff in the North East, has agreed to ensure that a quarter of all subcontractor work is stored in the borough and provide opportunities for training and experience in jobs for the local community. Phil Morgan, regional director of Balfour Beatty Regional Civil Engineering, said: "We are very excited to start on site in Harton Quays Park and to assist the development of the area for residents and visitors." Stretching along the Tyne from the ferry landing at Customs House, Harton Quays Park featuring trees, grass and a curved embankment promenade drink stalls, and amphitheater. Project was funded by a joint South Tyneside Council and the Homes and Communities Agency and the Mayor of South Tyneside, Coun Eileen Leask, led the grass-cutting ceremony to get the work going. He said: "This park in a beautiful setting and I think is very popular with local and visitors alike. It offers something new and different for people visiting South Shields town center and also for people working in the area. "We have a good South Marine Park at the end of the town, and soon we will have a good public space in our riverside. I can not wait to come back here when done. ' This project was made possible thanks to the strong financial backing of the Home and Communities Agency. Martin Wilks, Capital Development Manager at the agency said: "The start of work is good news for residents of South Shields. Brings the reality of riverside park one step closer. It is fascinating to see the plans and ideas started to become a reality. ' Park was developed as part of a wider regeneration masterplan for the South Shields Riverside and is scheduled for completion in spring 2013.