A new multi-million pound business park development in Durham could see the creation of more than 2,500 jobs in the County, if planning permission is granted
As a first phase, Durham County Council is to fund the construction of seven units (comprising 155,000 sq ft) at Jade Business Park, next to the A19 and Dalton Park, which will help regenerate east Durham.
The business park development has been made possible thanks to the partnership between Durham County Council and Highbridge Developments.
Planning permission for the development has been submitted to Durham County Council and if successful, site works are expected to start in August this year and will take around nine months. The road leading directly from the site to the A19 has already been completed.
The 55-acre site has the potential for up to 750,000 sq ft of space for offices, large scale manufacturing and distribution tenants.
The site will be owned by Durham County Council and managed by Business Durham.
Brian Archer, managing director of Business Durham, said: “This is a fantastic collaboration between the county council and developer Highbridge to create ready-made units, particularly for International companies working in the thriving supply chains of major firms such as Nissan, Caterpillar and Komatsu.
“The position of this key site is perfect for access to the A19, the ports, airport and train stations.”
Guy Marsden, director at Highbridge Properties PLC, added: “We’re excited to submit planning for the first phase of this proposed major inward investment site. Jade Business Park will give the local economy and employment market a tremendous boost – creating up to 2,500 jobs once the Jade scheme is completed.
“The first phase of the proposed development offers seven industrial buildings with service yards and integrated offices – all set in an easily accessible location, with the A19 trunk road providing links to Hartlepool, Sunderland and directly to major motorway networks. The site will also offer good public transport links, ample parking and electric vehicle charging stations.
“Jade is a new generation Enterprise Zone and will provide flexible and bespoke solutions for businesses to tailor to their exact needs and, with support packages available from this government led site, it is a very attractive location for business occupiers and investors alike.”
The park, which is a former colliery and cokeworks, will become a designated Enterprise Zone. The business park development has been made possible with almost £14m of funding for highway and infrastructure works from the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (NELEP) and the Highways Agency.
