Work set to get underway on Ingenium Parc industrial site

The first phase of development work on a new industrial site that aims to create more than 2,000 jobs in the coming years is set to get underway.

Ingenium Parc, a 40-hectare site on Salters Lane, off Yarm Road, Darlington, is a £5m project funded by the Tees Valley Combined Authority and the Department for Transport.

The leader of Darlington Borough Council, Stephen Harker, was joined at the site by Cllr Chris McEwan, deputy leader of the council and cabinet member for economy and regeneration, to officially mark the beginning of the first phase of development work.

The first phase of the projects includes highways improvements, a new access road, utilities and ecological work across the site.

• To open up access to the site, works are being carried out on the Yarm Road/McMullen Road roundabout which will provide two lanes on each approach to the roundabout, and around the roundabout. There will also be new footpath and cycle path links in the area.

• A new road into the site and on-site utilities will also be built and installed to allow development of the first 11.5 hectares, with the aim of creating up to 1,000 jobs by 2021.
   
• Extensive work has already been carried out on site to protect its ecological biodiversity. Officers have worked closely with Natural England to mitigate any loss and to enhance the natural habitats on the site and the adjacent nature reserve.

Councillor Harker, leader of the council, said: “Ingenium Parc will create high-quality industrial employment opportunities for the next generation – it will be an excellent addition to support Darlington’s growing economy.

“The site is well placed for access to the motorway network and will provide opportunities for our skilled workforce.

“We’re well aware of the importance of the site for its biodiversity and we’ve gone to great lengths to mitigate against any impact. The masterplan for the development includes enhanced habitats and green infrastructure to ensure that industry sits seamlessly alongside nature.”

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “I’m delighted yet another project we’ve helped fund has seen spades in the ground this year.

“Companies looking to make the Tees Valley their home, and also our successful growing businesses, are crying out for the sort of high-quality industrial space Ingenium Parc will provide.

“This will be another string to Darlington’s bow, giving brilliant opportunities for even more inward investment, job creation and economic growth, not just for the town, but for the wider Tees Valley.”

Jake Berry, Minister for the Northern Powerhouse, said:  “This government is committed to boosting economic growth across the whole of the Northern Powerhouse and building a country that works for everyone. We have a great example here in Tees Valley of how Ben Houchen is championing that growth.

“Our £3.9 million investment in the Ingenium Parc industrial site is a great example of our modern Industrial Strategy and the work that is taking place across Tees Valley, to regenerate the area and encourage Clean Growth. The project will enhance the site’s biodiversity, attract businesses to the area and create more than 2000 jobs - making Darlington a better place to live, work and do business.”

The first development plots will be available from 2019/20 - businesses/investors interested in the site should contact the council’s business investment team on 01325 406305.