Construction work on the £300m Northshore mixed-use regeneration scheme in Stockton-on-Tees is set to get underway at the end of March.

It follows the completion of legal and funding deals between the Northshore Development Partnership (NSDP), the Homes and Communities Agency and the local authority. NSDP is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Muse Developments and will create more than 1.8 million sq ft (167,225sq m) of office, leisure and retail space.

The first phase of work will include a residential scheme to create a sustainable community and is designed to act as a catalyst for further regeneration of the area. Muse Developments senior development surveyor Simon Dew said: "The start on site of a first phase at Northshore is a major step forward.

"This scheme will set a benchmark for high-quality housing in the North East and act as a catalyst for further development within the Northshore regeneration area." Stockton Council cabinet member for regeneration and transport Bob Cook added: "The Northshore development is just one element of the wider regeneration of Stockton borough which is already seeing significant investment on the riverside."