Reeves awards £16m for Stem centre of excellence

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said Darlington had "worked hard" for funding

A science, technology, engineering and maths (Stem) "centre of excellence" is to be built after Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced £16m funding in her Budget.

Labour's Reeves said the Darlington facility would create "opportunity for young people with clear routes from school into good job with decent pay".

Construction at Darlington Science Park is due to get under way in the second half of next year subject to final assessment and approval, according to the government.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen, a Conservative, welcomed the announcement, saying he backed "any investment that drives our region forward".

Funding will come from the Growth Mission Fund - an infrastructure investment programme aiming to drive economic growth.

'Boost' for region

Reeves added the government was "delivering for Darlington".

"This investment will create pathways into careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics for everyone, not just those who can afford expensive degrees.

"Darlington worked hard for this funding and won it - as this government backs local communities with real investment that delivers tangible results, jobs, skills, and opportunities for working families."

While criticising tax-raising measures also announced in the Budget, Houchen described the science centre as "exactly the kind of boost we should be welcoming [to the region]".

"This project will build on the huge success we've already delivered by bringing the Treasury and thousands of civil service jobs right into the heart of Darlington town centre," he said.

"This is another tough budget for working people, but it's promising to see the government recognises the continued strength of Darlington as a place for innovation, skills and good-quality jobs."

Rhiannon Bearne, deputy chief executive at the North East Chamber of Commerce, was another figure to label the project "positive".