THE first part of the redevelopment of a former industrial complex in north Durham has been completed.

A store to be operated by Tesco in Blackhill, near Consett, has been created by the Oakapple Group and is due to open on Saturday.

Tablemat producer Pimpernel, which opened in 1952, employed up to 300 staff at its Consett site during its heyday but manufacturing on the site shut down in January 2006.

Oakapple bought the site that year and subsequently got planning consent for three retail units and 53 residential properties.

Construction began on the retail space and 11 apartments in August last year and despite challenging weather conditions during the winter completion was achieved in April.

The supermarket giant is opening an Express Store that will provide 20 jobs for local people.

Sean Mayes, development manager at Oakapple said: “We are delighted to have secured one of the country’s best known retailers as a tenant on the scheme.

“This provides an ideal base for us to market the remaining two units.

“These have planning consent for a variety of uses and offer the opportunity for businesses to sit alongside a major brand.”

The store worked with the local Jobcentre Plus during its recruitment process and new staff are currently taking part in the Tesco training programme.

As part of the opening celebrations, staff will present St. Mary’s Special Needs Group with a cheque for £500, which will go towards the cost of providing services to people with special needs.

The charity will be invited to cut the ribbon to declare the new store officially open at 10.30am on Saturday morning.

Store manager Michael Davison said: “We are delighted to be able to support St. Mary’s Special Needs Group as they do such great work locally.

“We are excited that they are coming down to the store to join in the celebrations with us and we wish them all the best in the future.

“My staff and I are looking forward to welcoming our customers into the new store and we hope that Tesco will become a key part of the local community.”

Oakapple have also just released the two bedroom apartments known as West Row House to the market through Your-Moves office in Consett.

An open day is being held on Friday between 10am and 3pm.