A HOUSEBUILDER plans to build hundreds of new homes after acquiring land of historical interest.

Barratt Homes North East will build on Norton Road, Stockton, after buying land which once housed the original wagon works for the world's first passenger railway line between Stockton and Darlington.

The site, not far from Stockton town centre, was later used during the Second World War to manufacture de Havilland Mosquito bombers.

A joinery factory – F Hills – remained on the site until 1997, when it closed for good with the loss of 125 jobs, after which the buildings fell into disrepair.

The site, which was contaminated by more than 150 years of heavy industry, has been cleared and reclaimed ready for the build.

Barratt has acquired the area and said a combined direct and indirect investment of over £160m will be pumped into the development, supporting more than 1,000 jobs during the build process.

The company said that the local economy would further benefit from an extra £1.8m each year in household spend.

A Barratt statement said: "The new development, which will be named Jubilee Gardens, is set in a location of great historical importance, once the site of the original wagon works for the world's first passenger railway line."

Once complete, the development will feature a range of homes in a variety of designs.

Barratt said as part of an agreement with Stockton Council it will also invest in services to benefit the local community.

Neil Milburn, development director at Barratt Homes North East, said: “We are delighted to announce the acquisition of this land at a site with a truly unique history.

"The new development is set to make a large contribution to the local economy and will be a great addition to the area where the demand for housing is at an all-time high.

"We’re excited to see Jubilee Gardens taking shape over the coming months, and are looking forward to exploring further ways in which we can get involved with the local community.”