WORK is officially under way on a £1.4m project to build offices incorporating a small cinema, gym room and outdoor space inspired by Google's Californian headquarters.

Level Q will be created from the existing Sheraton House and Infinity House, in Stockton's Surtees Business Park, off the A66.

The three-storey site is set to be open in the autumn, with the offices planned to become a hub for businesses seeking long-term leases as well as "hot desk"-type premises.

Property investors, Andy Preston and Gareth Cherry, of Preston Cherry, are behind the build and hope the building will attract North-East companies.

Mr Preston said: “There’s a big change in demand for offices right now.

"While demand for large offices in big buildings is on the slide, there’s an increasing interest in smaller offices in exciting workspaces with a real buzz."