MORE than 400 jobs will be created at Colburn business park at Catterick.

Work to install the £1.5m initial infrastructure is now under way, and will be completed in January 2002, providing a 25-acre development site on former Catterick Garrison land.

The site is being developed by Yorkshire Forward in partnership with North Yorkshire County Council, Richmondshire District Council, the Richmond Partnership and the Catterick campus of Darlington college.

The start of works was marked on Tuesday when the site signboard was erected, and the partners reviewed the initial works. The partners have appointed J N Bentley of Skipton as main contractor for the project.

Yorkshire Forward, the site owner, has designated the site for e-commerce use.

Coun John Blackie, leader of Richmondshire District Council said: "Colburn business park is a crucial part of the overall programme to regenerate the Catterick Garrison area.

"The new learning centre has provided the training and education element, the community sports centre will offer substantial leisure and recreational choices and the business park will offer much-needed good quality employment opportunities for people from within and outside the North Yorkshire area. "