A £1m crane which has lain unused and in pieces for seven years could be sold as council bosses search for a buyer for the yard it sits in.
North Tyneside Council bought the machine in early 2013 and pledged to use it to enhance the facilities at the former Swan Hunter shipyard.
But for seven years the “£1m white elephant” remains unused and has been left in pieces, which was strongly criticised by opposition councillors.
Now, the site is up for sale with banners hung on its fences advertising the yard to potential buyers.
The authority says that all of the yards infrastructure, including the crane would be included in the sale.
A council boss says the authority has already had interest in the yard and is reviewing bids to make sure they increase jobs in the area.
John Sparkes, head of regeneration and economic development at North Tyneside Council, said: “We are pleased with the level of interest we have had in the site and we are reviewing all bids to determine how they match our ambitious plans to grow employment opportunities in the area and benefit the wider community.
“Our decision to take the site to market is the culmination of 10 years of significant infrastructure investment and the next step to ensure the site can be brought back into economic use – creating new jobs and opportunities for investment.
“Adjacent to the site is the centre for Innovation which provides high quality office space for businesses focused on the offshore and subsea industries further supporting the regeneration of the north bank of the Tyne.
“Once the process to review the expressions of interest is complete we will be in a position to provide further detail about the future of the site.”
