A NORTH East authority is moving forward with proposals to move its headquarters in the hope that thousands of jobs will be created in its place.

Durham County Council is considering moving from its headquarters at Aykley Heads, in Durham, to a smaller city centre location, freeing up the site for new offices and creating up to 6,000 jobs.

Following a year-long assessment of the initial proposal, councillors are now being asked to give the go ahead for a full business case to be prepared.

Cllr Neil Foster, cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: “This decision is much more than the council simply moving into a new building and reducing its ongoing costs, but will pave the way for investment that will bring more and better jobs for the residents of County Durham.

“The benefits of freeing up a strategic employment site have the potential to be a true game-changer for the county.”

The proposal would see County Hall demolished and a redevelopment of the site over 15 years.

Lorraine O’Donnell, the council’s assistant chief executive said: “A lot of work has been done over the last year and the case stacks up.

“There’s still significant interest and we’re really excited by the opportunities presented by this site.”

A report, due to be debated by the council’s cabinet at a meeting on July 13, proposes looking in more detail at the case for moving to a freehold site in the centre of Durham City, while retaining the option of building on council-owned land.

The cabinet will also discuss a proposal to buy Salvus House, Aykley Heads as part of its plans to develop the area as a centre for businesses in Durham.

It has been in discussions over buying the building since last summer, when Sunderland Marine Insurance moved out.

It is part of a £3.4 million “incubator scheme” which would see the council work with Durham University and New College Durham to support new businesses, creating or safeguarding up to 200 jobs.

The council wants to build on attracting Atom Bank to the area, which it says has prompted inquiries from other businesses.