MP Jenny Chapman has officially opened the new Capita HQ at Lingfield Point in Darlington – welcoming the 450 staff to their new home.

Ms Chapman said the investment by a major national company like Capita "reflected the popularity of Darlington – and in particular Lingfield Point – as an excellent place to do business."

She added: "This is a positive indication of growth for the town and it’s great news for the local economy.

"Darlington is a national transport hub and Lingfield Point’s position so close to the road, rail, air and sea links make it an enviable location."

Capita has moved into 42,000 sq ft of space which has been designed and fitted out to the company’s specific requirements.

Susan Ring, chief executive, Capita Employee Benefits, said: “Lingfield Point is a flagship site for our great team of staff at Darlington and builds upon our centre of excellence for public sector pensions administration here; this has been strengthened with our recent extension of the Teachers’ Pension Scheme contract. We look forward to continuing to build upon the great capability we have developed in Darlington."

Dominic Moore, asset management director of Clearbell, which manages the fund that owns Lingfield Point, said: "The fact we are attracting businesses of the standing of Capita adds weight to our ambitions to create a regional hub for business.

"We always enjoy welcoming new faces to Lingfield Point, and as a result are investing in services and facilities to cater for our growing business community."

More than 3,000 people now work at Lingfield Point.