ARCHITECT Browne Smith Baker (BSB) is predicting its turnover will hit a record £5m this year after significant expansion over the past 12 months.

The Darlington firm, which also has offices in Newcastle, Leeds and Hull, has taken on 27 people in the past year, and has secured a number of major contracts.

BSB is working on projects, including a £77m town centre redevelopment in Penrith, Cumbria, and £20m schemes to create two eco-parks in Gateshead and the five-star Rockliffe Hall hotel, golf resort and spa in Hurworth, near Darlington.

The firm predicts its turnover will be at least 30 per cent up on last year, with further growth in months ahead.

Director Warren Barnett said: "BSB has now come of age in the market place, and we are looking forward to playing a major part in the regeneration of the regions in which we work.

"The growth of the firm has been momentous over the last 12 months."