WORK has started on a £3.6m luxury flat complex in Darlington.

The complex, in Coniscliffe Road, includes a luxury three-bedroomed, 1,500sq ft penthouse and 23 two-bedroomed flats.

The flats are being built by Stapleton Investments. Each of the homes will be sound proofed and some flats will have balconies.

Work should be completed within 18 months.

Bob Breeze, a director of Stapleton Investments, said: "The flats are to be marketed at discerning buyers in the Darlington area.

"Feedback has been positive and we have even had interest in the penthouse before a brick has been laid.

"Bank of Scotland Corporate understood that the team's construction expertise was key to the success of the business.

"The bank helped to turnaround a finance package quickly to ensure the project remained on schedule."

Craig Ramsay, associate director for Bank of Scotland Corporate in Darlington, said: "The team at Stapleton Investments has identified a prime site in Darlington, which is one of the fastest growing towns in the North-East."