Project to create largest North East business park promoted to international investors

A development site in the North East with the potential to create over 3,000 jobs is being promoted by the government in a bid to attract overseas investors.

Forrest Park, a business development in Newton Aycliffe, is one of 11 projects that will be promoted by the Department for International Trade in an effort to secure international investment.

Cllr Carl Marshall, cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: “We are thrilled Forrest Park has been included in the Government’s property investment portfolio.

“Not only does this promote the scheme to international investors but it showcases County Durham and the wider region as a place of growth and opportunity. Many global businesses have already chosen the North East as a base for their UK operations and Forrest Park is our chance to attract even more investment into County Durham.”

The Forrest Park project is a joint venture by Durham County Council and the Forrest family, supported by commercial property developer Richardson Barberry.

If successful, the £140m development would see the existing Aycliffe Business Park extended, making it the largest industrial park in the North East.

Jonathan Robinson, on behalf of Richardson Barberry, said: “We are excited at the prospect of delivering one of the North East’s premier business parks and it’s great to see that it is being promoted as an extremely attractive investment opportunity to an international audience.

“Working alongside Durham County Council, the Forrest family and the Local Enterprise Partnership, our vision is to create a business park that provides a wide range of high quality accommodation which will attract local, regional, national and international occupiers, stimulating economic growth and new jobs for the North East.”