THE FIRST brick has been laid at Derwentside's new £1.63m business centre.

The construction at Consett Business Park will form the fifth phase of the development of the Business Complex and is on schedule for opening in January 2004.

Providing high-quality workspace for 18 more businesses, the two-storey building will mean accommodation for a total of 51 companies is available.

As well as business units, the centre will house conferencing facilities, meeting rooms, an atrium dining area and broadband internet access.

The centre will be particularly geared to support fledgling companies, providing them with a head start through an office services scheme, run by staff at the complex, and a business development package of support.

The project has been developed by Derwentside District Council and supported with grant aid from One NorthEast's Single Programme and the European Regional Development Fund.

District council economic development head John Pearson said it formed part of a coherent strategy to improve Derwentside's economy through stimulating enterprise to increase the growth of firms and create sustainable employment opportunities.

He said: "The centre will provide an attractive operating environment for businesses and with the range of back up support available we hope it will provide a firm foundation in which businesses will be able to thrive and grow."