Sheffield today witnessed the birth of a new £14m business park - funded by Euro cash - which will bring 600 jobs to the area.

Bulldozers moved on to the site next to Junction 35A of the M1, to start work on a three-year project that brings hope of a business revival to an area blighted by pit and steel closures.

Bosses of St Paul's development, who are building the business park, thanked the European Union for part-funding the project between High Green and Wentworth.

Europe has provided £3.2m in grants from its Objective One fund, designed to regenerate impoverished regions.

David Newton, Development Manager for St Paul's said: "This could never have happened without EU support. It has enabled St Paul's to create a new business environment in South Yorkshire, in keeping with the requirements of the most demanding of companies."

The development will provide 200000 sq ft of offices and business units in phases over three years. They will enjoy excellent facilities and transport links.

MP Helen Jackson today said she was thrilled to see work start. She said "This is one of the most exciting new projects to come to the North of Sheffield for years. I hope and expect this to be a real boost to the local community and job prospects. It is good to see the public and private sector working together to boost the wealth of this area. The success that Sheffield 35A achieves in attracting high-tech and service sector companies will have a huge impact on Sheffield's future. The city has moved a long way in recent years, recognising that it can no longer rely on its traditional industrial base.

Objective One funding is awarded to the poorest parts of the European Union to regenerate economies and create long-term jobs and prosperity. South Yorkshire qualifies for the cash - £700m over seven years - because of poverty and unemployment created by the collapse of the mining and steel industries.

30th July 2002