WORK is to start on the construction of 14 new business units in a fast-growing business area.

The new-build units in Darlington will provide an opportunity for small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) to set-up or relocate on the Yarm Road industrial estate and business park, part of the town’s eastern growth zone.

Commercial property developer Priority Space is behind the £2.5m development which will create a range of speculative units – available for sale or lease – which should be completed next year.

Director Adam Richardson said: “We are very pleased to be starting work on this new development which will create units suitable for small industrial or warehouse use in this prime location in Darlington.

“Yarm Road is just a stone’s throw from the town centre, with plenty of amenities nearby and excellent major road links providing easy access to the Tees Valley.

“We know there is demand for business units in the area and look forward to the development supporting SME ambitions and Darlington’s economic growth.”

Priority Space purchased the 1.4 acres of development land on Barrington Way from Marshalls of Elland and secured the go-ahead for its plans to build 14 units, ranging in size from 1,002 sq. ft to 2,005 sq. ft - creating a total of 21,559 sq. ft of new workspace.

Simpson York has been appointed as contractor with work due to start in January.

It is hoped work will be complete by August 2021.

Sales will be handled by Richard Scott of Cushman Wakefield and Jonathan Simpson of Connect Property North East.

Mr Richardson said: “Our aim is always to provide well-designed, high-spec units where companies can invest in their businesses and contribute to the economic regeneration of their area.”

The Yarm Road Interchange business park is located on the Yarm Road, next to Darlington Retail Park and about two miles from the town centre.

The developers are highlighting its easy access to the A67 and A66, connecting it to the motorway network, good rail links and its position within the eastern growth zone, which it hopes will make it an attractive proposition.

The area is home to a number of big businesses, including Cummins emissions solutions and Cleveland Bridge engineering, Northgate vehicle hire and Darlington Building Society as well as a Toby Carvery, Premier Inn and retail park.

A spokesperson added: “South Yorkshire-based Priority Space is committed to developing sites across the North to create high-quality and sustainable workplaces which stimulate regeneration and economic growth.

“Every Priority Space commercial development is built to a high specification with environmental sustainability in mind. BREEAM, EPC and Secured By Design accreditation are always aimed for when designing and delivering spaces.”