Multi-million pound business park to create over 2,500 jobs

Planning consent has been given for a new multi-million pound business park which will create more than 2,500 jobs in County Durham.

The project, funded by Durham County Council, will see the construction of seven speculative units across 155,000 sq ft of commercial space at Jade Business Park, next to the A19 and Dalton Park.

Owned by Durham County Council, the site will be developed by the developer of Newcastle-based Cobalt Business Park, Highbridge Properties, and managed by B2B service Business Durham.

Work on the development is expected to begin later this summer, with completion of the site anticipated in 2020.

Cllr Alan Napier, deputy leader of Durham County Council, commented: “This is great news for East Durham and the region. Jade Business Park is one of our key strategic employment sites, bringing thousands of new jobs and the associated economic boost to the county.

“We have been working on the development for several years and it’s really exciting to see our long held aspiration becoming a reality as part of our wider plans for the regeneration of the east of the county and the A19 corridor.”

Guy Marsden, director at Highbridge Properties, added: “Getting the green light for this major inward investment site provides a huge boost to the local economy and employment market.

“Jade Business Park is a new generation Enterprise Zone which is highly attractive for business, occupiers and investors as it offers tailored solutions and government support packages to meet their individual’s needs.

“All of this, combined with a location that offers fast access to the motorway network, good public transport links and ample parking available on site makes Jade a very compelling place to do business.”