HUNDREDS of North-East jobs could be created in a £13m innovation centre expansion.

Plans have been unveiled to extend North East Technology Park (NETPark), in Sedgefield, County Durham, which could deliver 800 posts.

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The site is already home to a number of innovative firms, including AIM-listed scanner maker Kromek, broadband technology company Filtronic, and the Centre for Process Innovation.

Growing mask manufacturer Polyphotonix is also planning to open a purpose-built base at NETPark in early 2016, which bosses say will allow it to build on sleep masks that could transform treatment of eye disease in diabetes sufferers.

Durham County Council’s cabinet has been urged to approve £12.9m funding for the expansion, with a decision expected later this month.

Bosses say it would create jobs at NETPark companies and support construction roles during the next three years.

They added the site, which houses 23 firms working across science, engineering and technology, must be increased as seven of its existing businesses are looking to expand and the waiting list of companies wanting to move to the site is growing.

Councillor Neil Foster, the council’s cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: “NETPark is a real success story, turning County Durham into a global hub for cutting edge science and technology companies.

“With outreach programmes inspiring youngsters to pursue science, technology engineering and maths subjects, NETPark is making sure the future of County Durham is in safe hands.”

Managed by Business Durham, the council’s business gateway, NETPark was launched as a joint venture between Durham County Council, Sedgefield Borough Council, One NorthEast, and the University of Durham, as part of a 20-year vision to create a “Dynamic Durham”.

Business Durham estimate the site, which celebrated its tenth anniversary this year, contributes £70m a year to the economy.

Coun Foster added: “We shouldn’t be afraid to be hard-nosed about it.

“NETPark was all about science and technology and set up for a specific purpose.

“We should be proud of what has been achieved, but there is still more to do.”