HUNDREDS of jobs could be up for grabs in Darlington if plans for a 24-acre industrial park are approved, The Northern Echo can reveal.

Around 700 new jobs could be created on the land adjacent to Amazon on Symmetry Park as early as 2023.

The Echo earlier this week revealed how plans for a 24-acre industrial and distribution park had been submitted to Darlington Borough Council.

The plans, which show the scale of the project, confirm disused land is set to be redeveloped to include a number of units ranging from 10,000 to 250,000 sq ft in size.

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The Northern Echo: The site at Amazon Darlington. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTTThe site at Amazon Darlington. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

The land has been acquired by property developer Premcor, but the area has remained dominated by the online retailer Amazon since opening just under two years ago.

Speaking to The Northern Echo, Simon Hawkins, director of Premcor, said: “We are estimating the (creation) of 45 jobs supported during construction and 700 jobs in businesses that occupy the development.

“In terms of opening we will have to see how the planning process and marketing go but we would hope to be in a position to progress with elements of the scheme in Summer with delivery starting to come through 2nd/3rd quarter of 2023.”

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The Northern Echo: The land at Symmetry Park that will be redeveloped. Picture: SAVILLS NEWCASTLEThe land at Symmetry Park that will be redeveloped. Picture: SAVILLS NEWCASTLE

Lst night, the Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen described the plans as "another vote of confidence" for the North East.

He said: “Amazon's facility at Symmetry Park has already helped create more than 1,000 jobs and, if approved, this industrial park could create many, many more by giving our brilliant local businesses the space they need to grow and attract new ones to invest.

“When complete, Symmetry Park as a whole has the potential to create up to 3,500 good-quality, well-paid jobs and drive £180million into our economy and this development is yet another vote of confidence in us as a region on the up.”

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Speaking to The Echo previously, Richard Scott, industrial and logistics director at Savills Newcastle, which is acting as the vendor, has been instructed to market 'Fabric Darlington.'

Mr Scott said: “We are delighted to be appointed on this exciting scheme.

"With its well-established location and close proximity to transport links, Fabric Darlington is an ideal destination for occupiers looking to service supply chains across the region and further afield.”

Savills Newcastle was approached for comment.

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