AN EXPERIMENT to regenerate business at Sherburn-in-Elmet has been declared a success.

Since Sherburn networkcentre was launched in October 2003, on 2.25 acres just off Bishopdike Road, near Selby, 11 tenants have moved in, creating 62 jobs.

It was precisely what the joint partnership between developers Langtree and national regeneration agency English Partnerships was seeking to achieve. It strikes back at the job losses experienced in the area's coalfields.

Of the nearly 38,000 sq ft of office, factory and warehouse space available, there is just one 1,759 sq ft unit left at £4.25 per sq ft.

Three of the latest tenants to move in are DT Haulage UK Ltd, which specialises in distributing products and goods all over Britain; Tilemasters Yorkshire Ltd; and Solid Eight, which specialises in drainage and prefabricated fabrics.

David Turnicliffe, company secretary of DT Haulage UK Ltd, said that Sherburn was now his company's headquarters. "It's in a perfect location for our seven employees and our customers due to the excellent transport links nearby."

Simon Peters, regional director for developers Langtree, said: "I'm delighted at the success of Sherburn, particularly as we only opened just over 12 months ago.

"The rapid take-up rate there clearly proves that demand is at an all time high for high quality and affordable units in the Yorkshire area. It enables us to fulfil our promise of regenerating coalfield areas."

In 1999 networkcentre was established with a remit to develop 500,000 sq ft of high quality workspace in the former coalfield regions, to aid the regeneration of coalfield communities and to increase investment and jobs. The space is made available to new and expanding companies on flexible lease terms.

Sherburn is one of five networkcentres in the region. Others are Zenith at Barnsley, Shireoaks in Worksop, Green Lane in Featherstone and Kirk Sandall in Doncaster.

Updated: 10:46 Tuesday, June 21, 2005