

£5 Million Vehicle Repairs Hub Project on Tyneside: First Stage Completed, Paving the Way for a Cutting-Edge Auto Facility
The first stage of a £5 million vehicle repairs hub project on Tyneside has been completed, marking a significant development for the region’s automotive sector. UK Land Estates has refurbished a 66,000 square foot building on the Tyne Tunnel Trading Estate, which will soon become the Lookers Paint & Body Centre. This new facility will consolidate three existing Lookers sites into one of the UK’s most advanced repair hubs.
This project is a joint investment between Lookers and UK Land Estates, reflecting a long-standing partnership of more than 20 years. David Gibbs, Property Director at UK Land Estates, explained that the company aims not only to provide high-quality business space but also to support the growth and development of its tenants. With Lookers operating at full capacity across their current units, the refurbished building offers the space and facilities needed to expand their operations under one roof.
In addition to this refurbishment, UK Land Estates has recently completed a new 73,000 square foot industrial unit, L7, adjacent to the Lookers site. Valued at £6.35 million, the L7 building responds to increasing demand for high-quality industrial space in the North East. The Tyne Tunnel Trading Estate continues to develop as a key industrial hub, with modern facilities like L7 and the nearby Elanders unit contributing to the estate’s growing appeal.
UK Land Estates’ investment in the Tyne Tunnel Trading Estate is part of a broader £35 million programme aimed at delivering new builds and refurbishments across its portfolio. Addressing a clear shortage of quality industrial space in the region, the company remains committed to creating the conditions businesses need to establish themselves and grow.
Once operational, the Lookers Paint & Body Centre is expected to set a new standard for vehicle repair services in the UK, offering a more efficient and innovative environment. The development represents not only a significant upgrade for Lookers but also a positive boost for Tyneside’s industrial landscape.
With these ongoing projects, the Tyne Tunnel Trading Estate is positioning itself as a focal point for business growth and industrial innovation in the North East, supporting companies as they expand and thrive in a competitive market.