A FRENCH sport's group is looking to create around 90 jobs in the region with a new retail development.

Plans have been submitted for a new sports venture on Teesside for the development at the Portrack Interchange Retail Park.

Agents for the sports store operator Decathlon are Sanderson, Townend and Gilbert who have put together the proposals for a further phase of development at the site.

The proposal is for a 50,000 square foot, 320 car-parking space, sports retail centre.

French retail giant Decathlon already has 240 stores across Europe and it is hoping to break into the North-East retail sector with an investment of £10m which will create more than 90 long-term jobs for the area.

Patrick Levaique, head of development for Decathlon UK said: "With existing stores in London, Nottingham and Stockport we are now looking for a location to serve the north east of the country and after seeking professional advice, realise that this site in Stockton would be ideal.

"Following our success across Europe, we now have ambitious plans for the UK and hope to soon make our mark on Teesside."

Over the past two decades, Decathlon has developed a unique business model, where customers are give the opportunity to test products in purposely designed sporting environments.

Its stores not only stock products for more than 60 different sports, including some less popular activities, but also offer repair and maintenance services, a caf and exclusive Decathlon designed products offering unbeatable value for money for all the family.

Tim Catterall, managing partner at Sanderson Townend and Gilbert said: "We noted Decathlon's requirements and encouraged them to consider this site.

"Portrack Interchange is already a high profile, successful location making it the ideal place for Decathlon to serve the region.

"Decathlon's presence would have a significant impact on the area - not only would it create a great number of new employment opportunities, it would attract customers from far and wide radius owing to its unique nature."

The last major development at the retail park saw department store, Big W, open for business last October on the site of the former Dickens DIY superstore,

Store bosses there revealed it could have filled its 200 jobs more than 12 times over after a phenomenal response to its recruitment drive, which saw it receive 2,500 applications.

Subject to planning consent, the facility will be developed by Leeds based Stainsby Grange and is expected to be fully operational by Spring 2002