Trinity Square

The first of a thousand – that’s gate man Perry Rutter, who has just started work at the £150 million Trinity Square town centre redevelopment project in Gateshead.

 

Previously unemployed for two years Perry, who is 49 and had spent most of his working life in the construction industry, has landed the job with contractors Bowmer & Kirkland to supervise staff arrivals and deliveries to the site in the town centre.

 

Perry was put forward for the role by Gateshead Council’s economic development service that works with unemployed residents to help them back into work.

 

Gateshead born and bred Perry, who lives in Bensham, said: “I really love the job.  I have to make sure the area is safe and secure for people and handle a lot of deliveries everyday as well as signing in staff on site.”

 

Bowmer & Kirkland’s project manager on site, Chris Meadowcroft, said: “It is particularly pleasing that the first job in the development of Trinity Square should go to a Gateshead man.  There is a lot to do and Perry will be seeing a lot of changes over the coming months.”

 

Trinity Square is being redeveloped by Spenhill, the regeneration subsidiary of Tesco.  The project comprises a new town square, 45 retail units, offices, a student village with over 950 beds and a Tesco Extra store.  Of the more than 1,000 jobs set to be created, including those in the construction phase, the new Tesco will have jobs for 750, of which 400 will be new jobs.

 

Doug Wilson, Spenhill’s corporate affairs manager, said: “We are delighted to welcome Perry on site.  His job is the first to be created in the development of Trinity Square, which is a major longterm investment in the Gateshead and North-East economies.

 

“It is more important than ever that Gateshead attracts private investment and jobs, and that Trinity Square will act as a catalyst for future growth and employment in the area.”

 

Chief executive of Gateshead Council, Roger Kelly, said: “Perry’s appointment is good news.  It is vital that this development offers employment opportunities for local people right from the very beginning to help fulfil our ambitions to regenerate Gateshead town centre. I hope this job will be the first of many.”

 

For more information about future job opportunities at Trinity Square contact Gateshead Council’s economic development team on 0191 477 3747 or email economicdevelopment@gateshead.gov.uk