DEVELOPERS last night said plans for the North-East's largest mixed-use development may create up to 30,000 jobs in the region.

The Newcastle Great Park (NGP) will cost £800m and take between ten and 15 years to complete.

About 50 representatives from companies interested in moving to NGP's flagship business park, attended its launch event in Newcastle yesterday.

Developers Persimmon and Taylor Woodrow, which are joint funding the NGP, said the park could result in a jobs bonanza for the region.

As well as an anticipated 16,000 jobs at the business park itself, it is expected there will be a further 14,000 jobs created in the region.

Newcastle City Councillor John Shipley called the launch, at Newcastle Falcon's Rugby Ground, a red letter day for the North-East.

Coun Shipley, executive member of policy development, said: "It is about creating the next generation of jobs. Following the decline of the manufacturing industry, the North-East has had to reinvent itself and this is the next step in that.

"Competition to attract businesses is getting more fierce around the globe so the NGB will be a fantastic asset for the region."

The mixed-use development is three miles north-west of Newcastle.

Planning permission for the business park was passed at the end of last week, with work on the 850,000sq ft site expected to begin soon.

Prospective businesses were given a helicopter tour of the site, which so far includes the £60m headquarters of software group Sage.

When completed, the NGP will include about 2,500 houses, a park with eight miles of walkways, a town centre, school and hospital.

Persimmon chief executive John White said it was the biggest development of its kind the company had been involved in.

Mr White said: "There is a risk factor, but there is an element of risk in every business venture.

"However, we have tremendous confidence in siting this development in the North-East. Businesses are interested in coming to the region, as it has a great deal to offer in terms of skills and expertise."

The launch was also attended by Newcastle Falcons boss Rob Andrew and former Newcastle United manager Sir Bobby Robson.

Sir Bobby said: "It is a very impressive development and can only be a good thing for the region."