UP to 1,500 jobs could be created in Darlington after plans for a £50m industrial park in the town were revealed last night.

The 70-acre site, in the Faverdale area, is understood to include several industrial units, as well as up to 1.2m sq ft of distribution space.

Developer St Modwen Developments has drawn up plans for the site after signing an agreement with Darlington Borough Council to acquire the land.

Over the next ten years, the scheme is expected to create 1,500 jobs.

It marks the latest in a series of major development projects in the town, including the £200m regeneration of Central Park, expected to create 2,000 jobs, and the planned 3,500 jobs from the construction of the Skylink Business Park, next to Durham Tees Valley Airport.

Councillor David Lyonette, the council's cabinet member for regeneration, said: "This is excellent news for Darlington.

"It is another boost for the local and regional economy, and excellent to see so many more new jobs being created."

St Modwen has yet to formally submit its plans to the local authority, but said it has been in consultation over the scheme, on land overlooking the A1 motorway, for some time.

Steve Prosser, from the developer, said the scheme would help regenerate a previously landlocked and disused area of Faverdale, another area of Darlington which has seen significant regeneration in recent years.

Mr Prosser said: "We have been working very closely with Darlington Borough Council to ensure this strategic site comes forward to provide much needed employment opportunities for the region and for the logistics industry.

"The site has the potential to provide up to 1.2m sq ft of space, and once planning has been obtained we will bring forward design and build opportunities.

"The aim is to secure up to 1,500 jobs over the next ten years."

1:21pm Wednesday 14th May 2008

Print

Email this