The Global Association for Contact Center Best Practices & Networking

Dec 6, 2011-- Estate agents say they are confident of finding a buyer for a closed-down South Tyneside call centre in the New Year.

The former Garlands, at the Market Dock, South Shields, has stood empty since the company closed suddenly in May 2010.

More than 170 workers were made redundant.

The 47,000 sq ft building went on the market for sale or rent since March this year, but so far no suitable offers have been made.

Estate agents King Sturge and Sanderson Weatherall are keen to find a commercial user for the centre, and bring jobs to the borough.

David Jackson, of Sanderson Weatherall, said: "We have had some good interest in the building since it went on the market, but we have not received any suitable offers.

"The market is still very difficult across the whole of the country. But we remain positive.

"Hopefully, the New Year will bring a bright new start for the building. It is a new building which has the potential to bring a lot of jobs to the area. It has a lot to offer and we are still working hard to make something happen. We are exploring every avenue."

A number of potential uses for the complex have been suggested since the closure of Garlands.

It is already fitted out as a call centre, and could be converted into a hotel, offices, or flats.

Mr Jackson said it could potentially be adapted to meet the needs of different types of businesses. As I have always said, it’s in a good location, overlooking the river and with good transport links. There is definitely a lot of potential there."

The call centre was built in 2007, despite objections from residents in the area about heavy traffic and parking and the size and appearance of the building.

After the collapse of Garlands, 178 workers were made redundant.

The employees later took their former bosses to a tribunal, where it was ruled that they should receive almost £3,000 each.

Posted by Veronica Silva Cusi, news correspondent
Source: http://www.jarrowandhebburngazette.com

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