THE company behind some of the region's biggest office developments has opened its own base in the North-East.

Gladman Developments, the UK's largest speculative developer of office, industrial and distribution schemes, has moved into premises in Newcastle.

The new office, in Grey Street, is the second the company has opened outside its headquarters in Cheshire. Andrew Creighton has been appointed to run the site.

Mr Creighton joins Gladman from regional development agency One NorthEast, where he was a property specialist focusing on regeneration.

Mr Creighton said a dedicated office is necessary, as the North-East represents one of Gladman's major growth areas over the next few years.

"I will be using my contacts to identify and purchase sites for industrial and office developments, as well as for student residences and luxury retirement living," he said.

"We already have a number of very successful office and industrial schemes in the North-East and we have funds available to invest in more land across the region, if we can find the right opportunities."

Gladman Developments is marketing a number of other office schemes in the region, including Merchant Court, at Monkton South Business Park, in Hebburn, South Tyneside; Hedley Court, at Orion Business Park, in North Tyneside; Lumley Court, at Chester-le-Street; and Parsons Court, in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham.

Earlier this year, it sold a 525,000sq ft industrial complex at Drum Industrial Estate, Chester-le-Street, to a US real estate fund, which it continues to market for the new owners.