WORK is expected to start on the next phase of the Morton Palms Business Park on the edge of Darlington.

The £7m second stage will comprise of 12 self-contained units in Pioneer Court, which is part of the development off Yarm Road.

The detached, semi-detached and terrace units will be arranged around a courtyard and will be ready to buy or rent by next year.

The size of the units will range from between 2,200 and 4,200 sq ft and all have parking, air conditioning, raised floors, suspended ceilings and broadband links.

City & Northern are developing phase two, after completing the £10m phase one, and the architect is Red Box Design.

Morton Palms is a 28-acre site next to the A66 in Darlington, with easy access to the A19 and A1, Durham Tees Valley airport and the main railway line.

Councillor John Williams, leader of Darlington Borough Council, said: "To create jobs and wealth in the region we have to create the right infrastructure that will attract and retain businesses of all sizes.

"Morton Palms will play a major part in the ongoing regeneration of Darlington and this is an ideal opportunity for businesses to buy a stake in a key strategic location in the North-East.

"I am sure that prospective tenants will be impressed by the facilities on offer and easy access to key transport routes."

Cath Cannon, director at City & Northern, said: "Morton Palms is the prime new office location in the Tees Valley and the introduction of Pioneer Court will broaden its appeal to prospective tenants."