A CAFE has opened at a green business park, following a major refurbishment programme.

Canteen will be run by catering company Alexander MacMurray, at Lingfield Point, in Darlington.

It follows a £20,000 refurbishment of Lingfield’s former cafe.

Canteen, which will be managed by Mr MacMurray and his wife, Jeanette, will run alongside their existing outside catering business.

In keeping with the ethos of sustainability Lingfield Point supports, Canteen will demonstrate a commitment to the environment.

A range of recycled biodegradable food packaging has been sourced and the menu will offer organically and locally-grown produce, including Lingfield Point’s own honey.

Alexander MacMurray specialist caterer was established in 2003, operating from Darlington.

Eddie Humphries, estate manager at Lingfield Point, said: “The cafe is the social centre of Lingfield Point and an important facility for our customers.

“We have used the outside catering facilities of Alexander MacMurray and are convinced that they are the right people to manage the new provision.”

Mr MacMurray said: “This is a different venture for us but one we are very excited about. Lingfield Point’s high standards match our own and the team’s experience will enable Canteen to meet the expectations of the customers.”

A £100m eco-development aims to see Lingfield Point, formerly home to Europe’s largest wool manufacturing plant Patons and Baldwins, transformed into a green community where residents are in walking distance of their workplace, schools, shops and leisure facilities.

Power will be provided by sustainable means and the aim is that Lingfield Point will be both carbon and water neutral.