HUNDREDS of new jobs and 90 new businesses are expected to be created through a huge cash injection into North Yorkshire’s scientific future.

The European Commission has approved Science City York’s major project application for a £19.7m investment.

The plan is to use the money over the next five years to create 685 new jobs, 90 new businesses, and assist a further 697 ventures.

And by 2014 the project is also expected to boost productivity of the region’s hi-tech industries by £37m.

The project is being led by Science City York in partnership with York University and the Food and Environment Research Agency.

The cash, from the European Regional Development Fund Programme, will be focuses on developing new infrastructure to stimulate research and development and improving regional competitiveness in the science and technology sectors.

The head of the York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, Susie Cawood, said: "This investment will cement York’s position as a very important player on the world science stage."

The bulk of the investment will support the development of more than 9,000 square metres of new business floor space for technology-based ventures at the university.

It will also see the creation of an "Innovation Campus" at Fera’s Sand Hutton laboratory complex on the outskirts of the city.

Project lead Fay Treloar said: "This is a significant achievement which will have a major impact on the city, offering tangible, long-term benefits and helping to strengthen the region’s economy."