Jobs boost from Dalton Park expansion
The multi-million pound expansion of a County Durham retail park has been given the go-ahead.
Plans for the Dalton Park complex at Murton, near Peterlee, include a cinema, restaurants, hotel and food store.
Up to 500 jobs could be created during construction and in the £35m scheme's new facilities.
The existing 55-acre site opened in 2003 on the site of a former colliery, and is home to about 70 shops.
Work is expected to begin within a year, and take 12 months to complete.
Jerry Hatch, Dalton Park's general manager, described it as the start of an "exciting decade".
He said: "The new scheme will not only enhance our retail offer but will service visitors both locally and regionally."