EXPECTED TO CREATE 3200 JOBS
Work by Durham County Council to pave the way for an expected 3,200 jobs and an economic boost of nearly half a billion pounds is now underway. With £13m funding from the Local Enterprise Partnership, the Council is carrying out work to prepare the 52 hectare Forrest Park site in Newton Aycliffe to expand and even further develop Aycliffe Business Park which lies adjacent to the Hitachi Rail site, already the largest business park in the region. The works, due to be completed by the end of autumn 2017, will see a new, signalised junction on the A167 – for better access to the new site and the Business Park with an internal link road and a power substation. The improvements will unlock a potential investment of nearly £140 million from the private sector to develop the site including, due to its location, a possible rail freight interchange. It’s estimated the site could see the creation of 3,200 jobs and deliver a Gross Value Added of £495 million over the next twenty years. Cllr Simon Henig, Leader of the County Council, said: “The decision by Hitachi to bring rail manufacturing back to its home in County Durham provided us with the opportunity of a lifetime. The significant role the Council played in that decision, along with our partners, remains one of my proudest moments with the authority. “To add to the success of what is already the largest business park in the region, the new development on Forrest Park we hope to bring over 3,000 jobs and add almost half a billion pounds to the economy over the next twenty years. This investment will shine a light on Durham, demonstrating what a great place the County is for business.” Cllr Neil Foster, Cabinet member said: “Aycliffe Business Park has been phenomenally successful, creating 1000’s of local jobs. We will create the perfect environment for the private sector to step forward and make the most of the opportunities provided by Hitachi Rail, its wider supply chain and the cluster of manufacturing industries in the area. “As a result we hope that Forrest Park becomes the next great success story for County Durham, bringing thousands of new jobs to the area and putting millions of pounds into our economy.” Darren Cumner, Manufacturing Plant Manager at Hitachi Rail said: “This expansion is excellent news for the area and the wider economy. It will firmly put County Durham on the map as a County which stimulates investment and regeneration, and we are delighted to be part of it.” The preparatory groundworks are due to be completed by the end of the year with the substation, link road and junction completed by autumn 2017.
IN PHOTO:Council Leader Cllr Simon Henig (left) with Cllr Neil Foster
