WORK on the second phase of a North-East business park that has already attracted mortgage lender Northern Rock started this week.

The project at Rainton Bridge, Sunderland, will include three units for small and medium-sized enterprises and two larger, headquarter offices.

The scheme, headed by award-winning developer Akeler and Sunderland City Council, is part-funded through the European Regional Development Fund and will be completed by October next year.

James Cole, chief executive of Akeler, said: "The start of work is a major milestone for Rainton Bridge. It gives us the chance to attract new businesses to the North-East.

"With the success of the scheme to date, we are confident of further strong interest in the park and delivering a new business quarter to support the growth and expansion of the city."

Earlier this year, Northern Rock confirmed that it would move into a £60m campus-style office complex at Rainton Bridge, paving the way for up to 3,500 jobs.

Construction of the building is expected to start early next year, with the first phase available for occupation in mid-2007.