First firm moves into 'Road to Nowhere' business park

Work on Jade Business Park, set up behind Dalton Park on the old Hawthorn Cokeworks site in Murton, began in 2007,.

But after the road and some infrastructure went in, the development then came to a halt.

The empty stretch is popular with dog walkers, runners and cyclists, but will now take traffic as the park finally begins to open up.

Construction began on the base for Japanese corporation, Sumitomo Electric Wiring Systems Europe (SEWS-E), in October 2019 and is now preparing to expand its business after becoming the first tenant to move in.

The company, which produces and distributes automotive wiring harnesses, fuse boxes, connectors, and cables throughout Europe, is increasing the size of its team as it moves from Rainton Bridge.

The team in charge of the park say the 55-acre site will provide over 1million sq ft of new employment space and more than 2,500 jobs just off the A19 and A182.

It is owned by Durham County Council, managed by Business Durham, the economic development arm of the council, and developed by Highbridge Properties PLC.

The SEWS-E’s unit is part of the first phase the park, to be completed this summer, offering seven industrial units for distribution, technology, and advanced manufacturing businesses.

Mike Hall, DC Manager at SEWS-E, said: “The site’s location and offer is perfect for us. It is just six miles away from our previous facility which we have outgrown, close to the motorway and to our major customers.

“Our new building is purpose-built, enabling us to grow and also accommodate a number of exciting new projects that have in the pipeline.”

Councillor Simon Henig is leader of the council, which has invested £14 million in the site.

He added: “It’s more important than ever to support businesses and create new employment opportunities, which is why I am delighted Jade Business Park has welcomed its first tenant.”

Additional support for highway and infrastructure works has come from the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (North East LEP) and the Highways Agency and will help fund work to increase the capacity of the nearby junction.

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