Prime Minister Tony Blair was in his Sedgefield constituency today to officially launch the region's new technology park to the world.

NetPark, on the site of the former Winterton Hospital, has the capacity to create more than 1,000 high-tech jobs in knowledge-based industries.

Mr Blair was on hand to launch a virtual reality tour of the NetPark vision, plus a website, www.uknetpark.com, to an audience of business leaders from across the region.

His visit formed part of a whistle stop tour of the North-East, which included meetings with a delegation of workers from the closure threatened Weardale cement operation of Lafarge, and a visit to the Swan Hunter shipyard on the Tyne.

Speaking at NetPark, Mr Blair said: "Shipyards like Swan Hunter have been transformed by technology, and that is what NetPark is all about.

"It will allow the UK to develop new and innovative technologies, and will help to create the businesses of the future."

He added: "Achieving economic success in today's fast moving, competitive world necessitates investment in advanced scientific research and development, plus the latest Information and communications technology.

"NetPark is an ambitious and exciting opportunity to establish a centre of excellence where research and innovation can flourish.

"The vision for the project is for NetPark to be the location of choice for forward-looking companies seeking the best place for their research and development activities.

"I encourage all businesses involved in science and technology to explore this new opportunity and become part of the NetPark vision."

Groundworks on the 33-acre site are now almost complete. Once up and running, NetPark will provide a parkland setting for knowledge-based industries, satellite research and development facilities, as well as an incubator/start-up environment for entrepreneurs and regional university graduates looking to turn their bright ideas into reality.

The partnership with the region's universities, particularly Durham University, will be a key element to attracting international companies to the region.

Durham University already has a worldwide reputation for research in the latest technologies, including biotechnology, biomedical sciences and nanotechnology.

NetPark is being jointly developed by Durham County Council and Sedgefield Borough Council, and is being marketed and promoted by County Durham Development Company (CDDC) and Sedgefield Borough Business Services.

Mark Lloyd, managing director of CDDC and director of economic development and planning at Durham County Council, said: "NetPark will provide the opportunity for companies to build their own purpose designed facilities and to tap into the talent and research being produced at our universities."

Norman Vaulks, chief executive at Sedgefield Borough Council, added: "We are delighted to have played a key role in bringing about this ambitious project which forms a key element in our strategy to help diversify the economy.

"The £2m infrastructure project is now practically complete and has been successful in securing a high level of support from the EU, One NorthEast and central Government.

"We look forward to helping NetPark fulfill its considerable potential through the attraction of science and technology businesses to its exceptionally high quality environment."

For more information about the NetPark development log on to www.uknetpark.com