THE first phase of an £800m development that incorporates living space and businesses in the same place is being launched today.

Newcastle Great Park's business park will be officially opened with an event at Newcastle Falcons Rugby Ground.

Work on the 850,000sq ft park, which has just received planning permission, is expected to begin soon.

The site is already home to the £60m headquarters of Newcastle software group Sage.

Guests at the launch, including former Newcastle United manager Bobby Robson and Newcastle Falcons boss Rob Andrew, will take to the air in helicopters for a bird's eye view of the 1,200-acre site, three miles from Newcastle city centre.

The development is expected to take between ten and 15 years to complete.

Designed by architects Ryder HKS, the business park is expected to become a major economic centre, creating more than 16,000 jobs.

There will be about 2,500 houses, of which 350 are already occupied.

About half the site is being protected and landscaped and there are more than eight miles of dedicated walkways in the park.

The launch will also feature exhibitions on the park's other key elements, including a town centre, hotel, hospital and school.

Speakers include Newcastle City councillor John Shipley, executive member for policy co-ordination and development.

Other guests include the Newcastle Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress, representatives from regional development agency One NorthEast and Newcastle Gateshead Initiative and property agents.

Jeremy Speke, Newcastle Great Park strategic developments director, said: "Ryder HKS has designed a first-rate business park, which is contemporary and cutting edge and makes the most of the unique landscape. The consortium is committed to delivering a unique and exciting development for the North-East.

Published: 09/11/2004