A BUSINESS development in Darlington due to be unveiled today will create up to 200 jobs and could help lure investors to the region.

Gateshead-based Easter Group has bought ten acres of land at the Faverdale East Business Park to build 190,000 sq ft of warehousing and office premises. It is hoped that the development will bring about 190 jobs to the area.

The site already houses an Argos distribution depot, which has brought hundreds of jobs to the region.

The development of the Faverdale site is part of a scheme aiming to bring investment to the Tees Valley from firms which may not have considered the area.

The Darlington Gateway project is promoting the town's excellent road, rail and air links to lure inward investors to the area.

Christine Smith, vice- chairwoman of One NorthEast, said: "There is strong demand for quality industrial space in Darlington, which has influenced our ongoing investment in the town.

"It is good to see this investment paying off at sites like Faverdale, where the development is a real opportunity for future business to prosper in an upcoming area, with neighbours like Argos.

"It is helping to secure Darlington's reputation as a key location for enterprise and industry."

The business park has been funded by cash from the Tees Valley Partnership, One NorthEast and Darlington Borough Council, which provided the land.

Councillor David Lyonette, the cabinet member for economic regeneration at Darlington council, said: "Faverdale East Business Park is a valuable addition to Darlington, providing much-needed industrial units and more jobs. I am glad more of the area will now be developed so even more businesses can come and enjoy the benefits of having their business in the borough."

Russell Taylor, director of the Easter Group, said: "The location is superb and this view has been supported by Argos in locating a new facility here. Coupled with the Aldi distribution premises opposite, the location is already well-served, particularly in the distribution sectors.

"This will be the first new industrial space available in Darlington for some years and I think that it will be very well-received.