A 1,000-JOB retail expansion will make a North-East site a “destination of choice” for shoppers, it has been claimed.

Dalton Park, near Murton, County Durham, is carrying out a £45m extension.

The venue will be developed to include a seven-screen Cineworld cinema, a Morrisons supermarket, a KFC drive-through, and a hotel.

Bosses say it will create about 600 jobs and support a further 400 construction posts.

Work is due to start in May, with the site expected to be officially opened on May Day next year.

Neil Foster, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for economic regeneration, said the development would lift Dalton Park to a new level.

Councillor Foster said: “This is brilliant news for the area and for County Durham as a whole, because it is bringing more jobs and retail opportunities.

“It makes Dalton Park a destination of choice for people.

“It really raises it up the agenda because there are some prominent companies involved.”

The Northern Echo reported about the expansion in 2011, when, despite concerns over the potential impact on town centres in nearby Seaham and Peterlee, the Government decided not to intervene.

With outline planning permission granted, the decision was referred to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government for final approval, but ministers opted not to call in the application.

The development was backed by local councillors, a 2,000-name petition, and Easington MP Grahame Morris, who said he was relieved work was now close to starting.

He added: “This has been a long time coming and follows years of campaigning and fighting by the local community to boost our economy and secure vital jobs.

“It has had to overcome every barrier imaginable.

“It’s a project I have been involved with for more than a decade, so I’m pleased it will finally come to fruition.

“The benefits will be felt across east Durham.”

The park’s extension will also include restaurant chains Pizza Express, Frankie and Benny’s, and Prezzo.

The site already includes McDonald’s and Starbucks outlets, Next and Marks and Spencer stores, and Adidas and New Balance shops.

Referring to the expansion, Jerry Hatch, general manager of outlets for Knight Frank, Dalton Park’s asset managers, said: “Phase two will be a tremendous addition.

“It will enhance our retail offering and provide a significant number of new jobs.”