Member Article

£3m investment in Consett office accommodation approved

Construction on a £3 million project to build new accommodation for SMEs and start-ups in Consett has been given the go-ahead.

The new facility at Consett Business Park will provide space for 35 businesses to grow, develop and prosper

The project will contribute to the overall regeneration of the Consett and North Durham area and is expected to create over 80 jobs.

Communities Minister Baroness Hanham CBE believes the development will encourage more businesses to stay in the area.

She commented: “This project will successfully provide a supported managed workspace environment that will ensure new start and existing smaller businesses will continue to grown and develop, boosting the local economy, regenerating the area and creating benefits for residents in Consett.”

The 2.2 acre site has been given ‘green credentials’, after it was constructed to the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method’s ‘Excellent’ standards, lowering the carbon footprint.

Cllr Neil Foster, Cabinet Member for regeneration and economic development at Durham County Council, said: “This major office development will be a welcomed addition to the already successful facilities in the area and will make an important contribution towards satisfying the ever-growing demand for high quality business space.

“Consett Business Park office development will be a huge boost to the economy of the county and is the next step in ensuring that public sector-led projects continue to lead the way in encouraging the economic growth of semi-rural locations.”

The complex secured £1.5 million investment from the European Regional Development Fund, with match funding provided by Durham City Council.

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