A TOWN'S Chinese community is celebrating the start of work on a development.
After years searching for the right site, the North-East Chinese Association (Neca) has chosen a corner of Middlesbrough to call home.
Almost a year since the association bought land at St John's Gate, Middlesbrough, work has begun on site.
The past 12 months have been spent finalising designs for the development, which will provide 20 apartments for members of the region's Chinese community, offices and shops.
Middlesbrough Mayor Ray Mallon was at the controls of a mechanical digger, which was disguised as a Chinese dragon, to get work under way this week.
The development, due to be completed next February, is the result of a partnership between Neca and the Tees Valley Housing Group.
Alison Thain, chief executive of the Tees Valley Housing Group, said: "With work starting on site on this wonderful new development, it is an exciting time, not only in this part of Middlesbrough, where the physical work is taking place, but also for members of the Chinese community across the North-East, who will benefit from these facilities."
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