A NORTHERN Power House minister is visiting the region today to find out more about attempts to regenerate the economy.

Jake Berry, Northern Powerhouse and Local Growth minister, is visiting County Durham and Wearside.

Durham County Council, and its economic development company Business Durham, is planning to showcase its attempts to regenerate Durham City.

The local authority will also be showing Mr Berry the work done at the North East Technology Park (NETPark), in Sedgefield.

Council leader councillor Simon Henig said: “We are pleased to welcome the minister on his first official visit to our county. Durham is a vibrant and dynamic destination that has seen its business landscape change in the past few years, with global corporations such as Hitachi Rail Europe establishing and expanding their operations.

“We also have a proven track record in providing the right climate for ground-breaking small businesses that are at the forefront of innovation across the space and light industries.”

“We welcome the opportunity to discuss how the minister and the government will continue to support us in this important work ensuring we can play our full part within their Northern Powerhouse vision.”

Among the projects being showcased include riverside projects in Durham including the redevelopment of Milburngate House and the safeguarding of jobs at Freeman’s Reach, and work at Aykley Heads with Atom Bank and purchase of Salvus House as a space for start-ups.

The minister will also hear about Business Durham's £20m investment fund and its Durham Smart County project, an innovation programme aimed at putting societal challenges at the heart of the county's sector development strategy.

Mr Berry will also walk across part of the New Wear Crossing in Sunderland, which is under construction, as well as visit the University of Sunderland’s Hope Street Xchange.