Member Article

DurhamGate complex “vital” says MP

The former Deputy Leader of the House of Commons has praised the regeneration project at DurhamGate, calling it “vital for the area”.

By Christmas more than 400 people will be employed on the site, which will eventually have the capacity to house 2,000 jobs. It is now hoped that by creating new jobs on the site will help to stimulate the local economy and attract further investment in the area.

Speaking at a tour of the development, Helen Goodman MP said: “The fact that the investment of more than £100 million into transforming this area has not faltered during the economic downturn and recession is a testament to the determination and vision of the DurhamGate developers, Carilion Developers and Arlington Real Estate.”

Sedgefield Borough Homes are also staying in the area, and its 170 staff will be moving into its new purpose build headquarters by mid-November. The new offices have been built to BREEAM environmental standards, which have significantly lower running costs than the current buildings

Allan Cook, Director of DurhamGate, said: “2011 has been the year when people have been able to see the first real signs of development taking place at DurhamGate, and the excitement about job creation and the regeneration of the area has spread.

Today’s visit has been an excellent opportunity for our MP, Helen Goodman, to learn more about the work which is ongoing and how it will help the area, creating jobs and bringing investment into County Durham, and we are grateful that she has taken the time to come to see what we are doing.“

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .