The Quay was formally handed over to the Port of Tyne Authority at an official reception to welcome the QE2, before being renamed as the Northumbrian Quay by the Master of the QE2, Captain Ian McNaught.

Mike Davison, acting managing director at the Port of Tyne Authority said, 'The Northumbrian Quay is the new gateway to the North East. Its refurbishment will have a dramatic effect on our ability to welcome even more visiting cruise ships, bringing with them tourism related benefits to the whole of the region.

'We have been steadily increasing the number of cruise ships visiting the North East in recent years and now we will be able to set even more ambitious targets for 2008 and beyond.

John Walker, chief executive of English Partnerships said, 'We have over 1,700 regeneration schemes across the country, most of which are creating sustainable communities with much needed new homes, businesses and community facilities, so funding the refurbishment of a Quay is something of an unusual project for us.

'However, this is economic regeneration at its very best. Our £4 million plus investment means the Port of Tyne can attract more ships, which in turn means that museums, galleries, restaurants and other cultural destinations the length and breadth of the North East can expect more custom. Local people and businesses will be the ultimate winners.'

The Northumbrian Quay had traditionally been used as a lay-berth, but weight and berthing restrictions imposed due to a slow deterioration of the 80 year old structure meant that it was no longer suitable for visiting cruise ships.

The recently completed refurbishment scheme strengthened the Quay by introducing new tubular piling and replacing the reinforced concrete deck. In addition, new fendering was installed to accommodate vessels the size of the 280m QE2.

The engineering work was carried out on behalf of English Partnerships by Birse Civils Ltd and took 12 months to complete. Atkins acted as consultant engineers to English Partnerships throughout the duration of the project, from inception to completion. The result is a purpose built 335m long cruise facility capable of accommodating vessels with up to 9m draughts.

The Quay was inherited by English Partnerships from the former Tyne and Wear Development Corporation. It sits on the riverside edge of the Royal Quays area of North Tyneside, which was the focus of extensive regeneration during the 1990s and the early years of this Century. Its refurbishment is part of the English Partnerships’ wider commitment to the North East.

A public welcome event for the QE2 has been organised by One North East and the Newcastle Gateshead Initiative, with viewing points around the Quay authorised by the Port of Tyne.