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Nov 9, 2011 -- South Shields MP David Miliband has praised the town’s new flagship BT business centre.

The Labour backbencher paid a visit to the controversial complex on the riverside at Harton Staithes and hailed it "great for the town".

In the last few weeks the building has become operational with staff moving into the glass-fronted building.

It is expected that 500 employees will be based there before the end of the year.

The building has not been without its critics, with some dismissing it as an architectural "blot on the landscape".

But Mr Miliband chose instead to concentrate on the positive impact the development, a joint venture between South Tyneside Council and BT, will have in regenerating the riverside.

He was accompanied on his visit by Margie Burdis, chief executive of BT South Tyneside, and the complex’s general manager, Farooq Hakim.

Mr Miliband said: "I was delighted to visit the new BT centre.

"It is great to see at first hand BT and the council’s commitment to bringing jobs to the borough. I will continue to support any company which will brings new opportunities to South Shields."

The council entered into a strategic partnership with BT in October 2008.

More than 400 staff from six service areas within the council were transferred to the new partnership, including customer services, revenues and benefits, financial services and human resources.

Coun Iain Malcolm, the Labour leader of the council, was a driving force behind the BT building.

He said: "Town centre traders will have an extra 500 potential customers coming through their doors and spending cash in time for Christmas."

An official opening ceremony is to be staged at a later date.

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

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