WORK is continuing on the development of a new industrial estate which is set to house a huge warehouse for an internet giant.

Amazon is expected to open a second warehouse in the region, alongside one a Symmetry Park, near Lingfield Point, Darlington, at Integra 61, near Bowburn in County Durham.

The development, at junction 61 of the A1(M), has been in the offing for a number of years and it is hoped it will create thousands of jobs for the region.

It is understood the1,992,061 sq ft Amazon warehouse is set to be complete by summer 2020.

At the end of 2018, Tritax Big Box REIT plc announced the unit would be the largest single let logistics location outside the South-East.

Last week the company released its yearly results for 2018, saying it was committed to delivering four facilities for Amazon, including in Durham and Darlington.

In a statement about Integra 61, partner Colin Godfrey said: “We worked very closely with our occupier customer to deliver this state-of-the-art, pre-let development, which provides the company with further exposure to a market leading occupier.

“Strategically located in an increasingly important logistics location with a strong labour supply, this asset, once operational, will be the largest single let logistics facility outside the South-East, as well as one of the most technologically advanced fulfilment centres in the UK, whilst providing further exposure to a high calibre tenant on a long lease.”

The first phase of work to build road infrastructure at Integra 61 started in September.

ACS Construction Group has been appointed as the main contractor for the initial phase after the original contractor Hawk went into administration in January.

Managing director Paul Grady, said: “We are excited to be working for Citrus on the Integra 61 project. It is one of the largest developments in the North East and will see the site become the premier industrial and logistics location in the region, generating thousands of jobs.

“ACS look forward to delivering, safely, another project for one of our valued clients.”

A spokesperson for ACS said work is on schedule to be completed on time, with the start of the next phase due to start in September 2019.