WORK is under way on an international business centre being built on Tyneside.

Bowey Construction, one of the region's largest building contractors, was chosen to build the Gateshead International Business Centre (IBC).

The building was designed by Gateshead Council and will create 51 fully-serviced offices.

Bowey is working in partnership with the council, which is responsible for the structural, civil, mechanical and electrical engineering on the project.

Bowey was awarded the £3.1m contract to build the four-storey office block after submitting a successful two-stage tender partnering bid.

The scheme, which is receiving funding from One NorthEast through the TyneWear Partnership, and European funding through Government Office North East, will provide space for local creative businesses which should benefit from being part of Gateshead's cultural regeneration.

Ian Walker, managing director of Bowey Construction, said: "This new office accommodation is being built on a tight, compact site with residents living close by, and presents certain difficulties to overcome.

"Our extensive experience on projects in the health and education sector enables us to carry out work where minimum disruption to the community is of primary concern."

Ian Johnstone, head of design at Gateshead Council, said: "By bringing together the skills and experience of Gateshead Council and Bowey, we hope the International Business Centre will benefit the whole community by putting Gateshead the map for businesses around the world."

The project is expected to take 52 weeks to complete.