Hi-tech IT firms are already booking spaces in the 20,000 sq ft extension planned for the Innovation Centre at Queens Meadow before the centre has even been built.

Today, delighted bosses revealed how the town's industry was robust and growing.
"We are seeing well above average numbers of start-up companies in Hartlepool," said Simon Hamilton, the regional manager of UK Steel Enterprise, which is behind the centre expansion.

"We are trying to build on that by making sure we persuade firms to stay in the town."

Construction is expected to begin by the end of May if the planning process runs to plan.

Building work is expected to last for 10 to 11 months with the centre opening for business in May 2011.

The £4.7m project – supported by One North East – means the existing Innovation Centre, developed by UK Steel Enterprise, will double in size.

The centre is a base for new and developing businesses and around 25 firms are currently based there.

Mr Hamilton added: "We have 200 people working here at the moment and we expect there will be similar numbers when we expand.

"UK Steel Enterprise is all about creating job opportunities in the steelmaking areas.

"We are not expecting most of the business people moving in to be former steelworkers, bu