DEVELOPMENT of one of the largest distribution centres in the North-East has attracted a lot of interest, project managers said yesterday.

More than 500,000 tonnes of earth has been cleared at Wynyard Park, just off the A19, on Teesside, to make way for a 300,000 sq ft logistics centre being developed by Helio-Slough. Development director Rob Trevor said: "There has also been good interest in the first building phase from a number of major occupiers, some of them new to the area.

"I am pleased to report that the construction is on programme - the steelwork will be finished in only nine weeks."

HelioSlough is investing £45m in two distribution centres at Wynyard. The first is expected to be completed in June and could create up to 400 jobs. Work on the second unit will begin once the first is occupied.

Chris Musgrave, director of Wynyard Park, said: "It is less than six months since we completed the deal to acquire the whole site and, already, HelioSlough has made a significant start on site.

"We have committed ourselves to delivering on our promises and actions always speak louder than words."

He said developer Priority Sites had also started work on units containing offices and workshops after being granted planning permission last month.