SCIENCE and technology centre Netpark will create more than 500 jobs as part of £20m expansion plans.

The science park, in Sedgefield, County Durham, announced yesterday it had picked Helios Properties as its preferred developer for phase two of the £300m scheme.

Work on the second phase will begin next month, and will include an innovation village and an extension of the Netpark Incubator - which provides space for small technology businesses.

Stewart Watkins, managing director of County Durham Development Company, said: "This is an important further step in the development of Netpark as a major centre for the commercialisation of world-class research and development in science, engineering and technology in the North-East."

Sedgefield Borough Council's head of strategy and regeneration, Andy Palmer, added: "This pioneering scheme will not only have a significant economic impact in the years ahead, but it will play a key role in shaping the ambitions of local youngsters."

The Netpark Incubator, which was opened by the Prime Minister last December, will double in size when the 21,000sq ft extension is complete.

Helios was chosen ahead of a number of rivals last year to carry out the first stage of the scheme.

Trevor Cartner of Helios said: "We understand Netpark's vision and firmly believe that it will become one of the country's leading science and research parks."

Netpark is a joint venture between Durham County Council and Sedgefield Borough Council.

It is marketed and managed by County Durham Development Company and receives support from regional development agency One NorthEast and the University of Durham.