Construction work has begun on The Fram Well in Durham, a 12,000 sq ft office building which could support up to 150 new jobs.
Sunderland-based Brims Construction is building the three-storey office on behalf of The Hanro Group and iMpeC Developments.
Located off Framwellgate Peth in a central part of Durham, the scheme will become the city's first speculatively built grade A office development in more than a decade.
Its design – led by architects Mawson Kerr – has been influenced by the site's heritage and the nearby railway station.
Adam Serfontein, managing director of The Hanro Group, said: "The construction of The Fram Well sends a positive message that Durham is developing the capacity to welcome quality businesses, which want high specification offices that place productivity and the wellbeing of their workforce as priorities."
Neil McMillan, managing director of iMpeC Developments, added: "The interest that exists in the Durham market from potential office occupiers gives us the confidence to build The Fram Well without a tenant and play our part in welcoming more employers to the city.
"I am looking forward to seeing Brims realise our vision of The Fram Well and producing office space that adds value to Durham city as a location that can help attract and retain the best talent."