ONE of the region's largest business parks, which is expected to create up to 15,000 jobs, was launched last week.

An open day was held at the site in which a scale-model of the 48-acre Quorum development in Longbenton, Newcastle, was unveiled. The event was organised to show people what was being planned for the site.

The model showed all buildings and roads to be built during the next ten years on the former Viasystems factory site.

The development will create 1.5 million square feet of office space, and is being marketed to government departments, national corporations and utilities, as well as IT and financial services companies.

Director of Quorum Development Partners Steve Davis said: "We are proud of our development and are keen to let our neighbours know what is going on and what is planned. We are building an international office scheme in a parkland setting that aims to capture a significant share of the UK's inward investment market within the governmental, business and financial services sector.

"The site will incorporate leading-edge technology and current global best practice, with creative architecture incorporating the highest quality materials."

Mayor of North Tyneside Council Linda Arkley said: "This is excellent news for North Tyneside. It demonstrates a growing confidence in the way we conduct business with investors and the creators of quality jobs.

"We look forward to supporting an investment which we hope will benefit the whole region."

The site occupies a central location in North Tyneside, close to Newcastle city centre, with nearby transport links.

Quorum Development Partners is a partnership between York-based Grantside Developments Limited and Tritax Assets Limited.

Published: 30/11/2004