Tyneside Economic Development Company's (TEDCO) new South Shields business centre is a winner when it comes to getting the region to work.

TEDCO Business Works has been named as a winner in the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Northern Branch Year 2000 Awards scheme, which this year centred on the theme Getting the Region to Work.

The £3.8m complex on the former St Hilda's railway sidings played host to Kevin Murray, the national president of the RTPI, when he visited the North-East to see for himself the best examples of planning practice the region has to offer.

Mr Murray said: "The development has provided much needed workspace for the local area.

"The quality of the design and workmanship shows TEDCO's commitment to the local community."

Investment in the South Shields facility follows the success of the first TEDCO business centre in Jarrow, which opened in 1994 and is now home to more than 70 businesses, employing more than 200 people.

Doug Scott, TEDCO's chief executive, said: "Demand for managed workspace is high and our existing premises are almost full to capacity.

"There is no similar facility in South Shields, so we hope the introduction of the new centre and its support services will help stimulate enterprise activity and lead to the creation of much needed employment opportunities".

Paul Waggott, leader of South Tyneside Council, was presented with a commemorative certificate in recognition of the Council's support of the scheme.

He said: "It has been thrilling to be involved in a project which has drawn so much of its inspiration from the local community."

TEDCO Business Works is funded by Northumbrian Water's Kickstart fund, the Government's Single Regeneration Budget (SRB) and the European Regional Development Fund.

Other benefactors include the late Dame Catherine Cookson and a number of private sector organisations.