DARLINGTON-based Wharton Construction has won £850,000 of new building contracts around the region.

The principal contract is for the refurbishment of the grade II listed building, housing the Stead and Simpson store, in Richmond Marketplace, North Yorkshire.

Wharton Construction is working to ensure that the work done will maintain the building's historic features whilst at the same time, provide modern retail facilities for visitors to the town.

Work on the store is due for completion in the early months of 2001.

Wharton Construction, based in Yarm Road, was established as a firm of building and civil engineers 16 years ago.

The company now employs more than 40 staff and provides commercial services, project management and site supervision for a growing number of North-East clients.

Peter Wharton, managing director of the firm, said: "Winning these contracts maintains a healthy order book.

"The Richmond project requires specialist skills and experience, and on completion, will provide high quality facilities of the very best standard.

Mr Wharton added: "The specialist skills needed for this project, together with the necessity of finishing it both on time and on budget, should prove very challenging, but ultimately rewarding for our company."