A DEVELOPER has announced plans to more than double its investment in a logistics centre that could create 900 jobs.

HelioSlough intends to spend £45m on two distribution centres at the Wynyard One development, on Teesside.

The enlarged development will create 400 more jobs than was first predicted.

The company had agreed terms with Wynyard Limited - the company behind Wynyard One - to develop a 400,000sq ft distribution centre at a cost of more than £20m.

But it has now submitted plans to Stockton Borough Council to build two logistics buildings, the second totalling 300,000sq ft, at an increased cost of £45m.

Trevor Cartner, chairman of HelioSlough, a joint venture formed by the specialist distribution company Helios Properties and Slough Estates, said the Teesside site had excellent potential and transport links.

"The logistics market is evolving rapidly and Wynyard One is perfectly placed to take advantage of the increased demand for high-quality distribution space," he said.

The planning application for the two units will go before borough councillors in August and, if approved, work will begin immediately on the 300,000sq ft building. The whole development will cover 38 acres of Wynyard One.

The increased investment will take the total spending at Wynyard One to £70m - twice the £35m initially announced.

Chris Musgrave, managing director of the Wynyard Limited, said the announcement was a huge vote of confidence for the site.

"Things are really starting to happen at Wynyard One. We were delighted with the plans originally announced by HelioSlough, but the increase in their planned investment and the jobs it will bring is even better news," he said.

Samsung closed its plant at Wynyard last year. In April, the borough council agreed to relax planning laws for the site, which meant that any company could be set up there. Previously, only electronics companies could operate there.

The move was welcomed by business leaders and MPs and has opened the door for more companies to move to the business park.

Last month, an application by Glamal Engineering was considered and approved by the local authority's planning committee. The company will convert the former 125,000sq ft Microwave Ovens building, now renamed Pegasus House, to provide a storage facility with modern offices and communication links.