A business development will create at least 60 new jobs.

MP Andrew Turner will mark the launch of the Ryde Business Centre next Friday, December 6.

He will plant a festive fir tree and unveil a commemorative plaque to mark the launch of the £2m industrial development.

Leeds-based property developers Priority Sites have co-ordinated the venture with a combination of public funding and private investment.

The centre - which will open in January 2003 - will provide the people of Ryde and the surrounding area with new job and business opportunities and high quality business units.

Senior development manager David Codling said there was a possibility the 30,000sq ft site would create more than 60 jobs.

"We are really enthusiastic about the project," he said. "Hopefully we will make a real difference to the Island."

The scheme is one of many supported by the South East England Development Agency (Seeda) and the Isle of Wight Economic Partnership which have helped several redevelopment projects across the Island.