A STATE-of-the-art business centre is being built in an East Yorkshire town.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council is building the £1.6 million business centre, next to the Becklands Park Industrial Estate, off York Road, Market Weighton, with Hull-based property firm Wykeland.

The centre, which is expected to be completed in June, will occupy 9,000 sq ft and include 15 offices for rent.

The enterprise village has been given funding from Yorkshire Forward and the European Regional Development Fund.

The centre has been welcomed by local businesses and residents in the town.

Peter Hemmerman, chairman of Market Weighton Area Business Limited, formerly the town's chamber of trade, said: "The enterprise village is excellent news for the town. It's perfect for business owners who are perhaps based at home at the moment but are looking to expand.

"Becklands Park is already thriving and this new centre will complement it further. From a business point of view, this type of resource is very good, as there are many small firms that want to get a foothold and set up now, with the right resources."

Updated: 10:54 Thursday, March 11, 2004