THE National Care Standards Commission has become the first tenant at Darlington's Hopetown Park development.

The commission has taken residence in the newly-refurbished Studio 1 at the former Whessoe site.

Trevor Robertson, property manager at the commission, which has set up 79 new offices throughout the UK, said: "Initially we had concerns about finding suitable office space in Darlington, but Studio 1 fits the bill perfectly.

"The location is great and we are looking forward to welcoming our new neighbours to Studios 2 and 3.

The completion of the 5,140 sq ft studio, which was part of an original workshop, was the first phase in the redevelopment of the brownfield site. Work on revitalising the second part of the building is already under way.

London-based investment and development company Gort has also revealed plans for a 16,325 sq ft Studio 3 building, which will potentially provide a further 150 jobs for people in the area.

Henry Gwyn-Jones, managing director of Gort, said: "Darlington has long been overlooked as a good office location, but with Hopetown Park we are changing this perception. I hope this development will contribute to the ongoing resurgence of the town."