A £1.8M office and workshop development in the region has been opened.

MP for Tynemouth Alan Campbell took part in the opening of the Evans business centre, on the Orion business park, in North Shields, North Tyneside.

The 32,500sq ft building has 17 offices and 17 workshop units, for small and growing businesses, of which about 40 per cent have already been let. It is expected that the centre, developed by Evans Easyspace, of Leeds, will generate about 75 jobs.

Evans Easyspace managing director Tom Stokes said: "We are keenly aware of the need for flexible business space and we have experienced high levels of demand since we opened our doors a few months ago.

"We offer a unique property proposition, with easy-in, easy-out terms that give clients confidence and flexibility, and a range of licence options that means clients know exactly what their premises costs are going to be."