WORK is due to start on the first unit at a controversial business park built almost three years ago.

It was hoped the 25-acre site at Colburn, near Catterick Garrison, would provide a home for e-commerce firms when it opened in January 2002.

But difficulties in attracting businesses led to claims that the £1.5m redevelopment of the land was a waste of cash.

Now, council officials hope work starting on a district council-managed building for 16 small firms will attract private companies to the site.

"This will be a high specification development," said Richmondshire District Council's head of economic development, Nicola Hood.

"We anticipate the site will attract established firms which are looking for space to expand, or businesses relocating to this area and wanting to be based in a rural setting, yet close to the A1."

Contractors are due to start work on the unit in January and finish by next December.

Council officials hope the project will create about 60 jobs over the next two to three years.

The district council has invested more than £500,000 in the project, with other funding coming from the regional development agency, Yorkshire Forward, and the European Union.

"This development is at the centre of a predicted growth area," said Councillor John Blackie, chairman of the Richmondshire Regeneration Board.

"It is strategically important for the continued expansion of business in the A1 corridor area, and vital for the ongoing focused development of the district."

Yorkshire Forward senior regeneration manager Peter Ide said: "We are very pleased this development is coming to fruition.

"We are in discussions with other developers and occupiers interested in investing in the business park.

"The managed workspace building will set the quality and design standard we and our partners in the scheme have as our goal."

For information about renting one of the workspaces, call Ms Hood or Abi Bromir-skyj on (01748) 829100.

Information about purchasing or developing any of the other plots at the park can be obtained from Mr Ide on (01904) 693335.