CONSTRUCTION company Mansell has seen a significant rise in the number of inquiries from business opting for high-tech offices across the North-East.

The Gateshead company has completed contracts worth more than £6m in the high-tech sector during the past six months.

The latest has been a £1.7m project, for BT subsidiary Syntegra, at Metro Riverside Park.

Work under way is a £1.4m Broadband IT Innovation Centre, at Balliol Business Park, Newcastle. The 31-week scheme will create an open-plan office space for e-incubators.

Unlike traditional office schemes, the project provides a full communications network, with provision for high-speed broadband ASDL Internet connection.

Mansell managing director Neil Patterson said: "We have completed a number of forward-thinking projects across the region, including the first e-business incubator in the North-East.

"The objective of such offices is to provide the optimum solution for innovative and inspiring companies, and the success of developments such as BT Syntegra is helping us to establish an expertise and reputation in this sector.

"The Boradband IT Innovation building is one of a number of ultra-modern designs that Mansell is constructing to meet the requirements of regional, national and international companies."