AN office development that could house between 250 and 300 workers has received planning permission.

UK Land Estates will build ten units on a site at Sunderland Enterprise Park.

The 32,000sq ft scheme will be known as West Quay Court and is aimed at companies seeking office and industrial space.

The two-floor development will offer predominantly workshop or assembly accommodation, which can be converted into other uses, such as laboratory space or offices.

The first floor will provide office space.

Work is due to start next year on the site, which is close to the Queen Alexander Bridge, about two miles west of the city centre.

Peter Holmes, development consultant for UK Land Estates, said: "We are delighted to be able to progress with this scheme, which will offer a combination of office and workshop accommodation.

"We believe that companies require equal amounts of office and space for storage or assembly.

"Industrial inquiries suggest that West Quay Court will be a great success.

"Sunderland Enterprise Park is already established as a high-quality business park attracting the highest quality occupiers, and its location is ideal for easy access to both the A19 and the city centre."

A UK Land Estates spokeswoman said that, traditionally, the company had built industrial units with ten per cent office space, but demand had increased for 20 per cent or more office space.

Architectural firm Ryder HKS has designed the development, which will be offered for sale or let through UK Land Estates or joint agents Lamb and Edge and DTZ.

The University of Sunderland, the Inland Revenue, Lloyds TSB and Sunderland Primary Care Trust already have operations at Sunderland Enterprise Park.

Published: 22/11/2005