Durham Down by the river will soon Plus: be the place to be as the banks of the Wear receive a major facelift. The city’s biennial Lumiere is now The private sector redevelopment of the Milburngate House site and recognised as the biggest and best light The Gates is set to completely transform the area, with brand new festival in the UK. restaurants, cinemas, office space and housing. This new-look riverside will also provide stunning views of Durham’s £3 million regeneration of Wharton Park. historical beating heart, while bringing some modern architectural beauty to the banks of the Wear. The relocation of the Passport Office and National Savings from Milburngate House to Freeman’s Reach helped retain about 1,200 jobs and was the biggest Government property contract outside of London. This came about after we took a 35-year lease on the scheme to provide certainty and generate an income for the council.
Central and East Durham
Seaham
Peterlee Plans are on track to create a new rail station at Horden. A public consultation has revealed overwhelming support for the proposal. With more than 98 per cent of the 1,300 people who took part in an online survey saying they supported the station and over 50 per cent saying they would use it every week. By providing much easier travel to Newcastle, Sunderland and Middlesbrough, the station will help residents in the surrounding area access jobs and opportunities across the region. As well as boosting the local economy and improving the prospects of people in the area it is hoped it will also encourage more environmentally friendly travel. Funding from the North East LEP Local Growth Fund has conditionally been approved, while a second application to the Department for Transport’s New Stations Fund is also being considered. We are currently working with Network Rail, train operators and other key stakeholders on the project plan, proposed design and operation of the new facility.
Plus: £25 million investment by Bristol Laboratories to set up a new manufacturing base. New bike and skate park.
A new water sports activity centre is set to make a splash in Seaham. The £900,000 centre, due to open this spring, will be based at Seaham Harbour Marina. The marina is a joint venture project between ourselves and the Watch a video about the centre at Victoria Group www.durham.gov.uk/dcn (Port of Seaham owners) and is managed by a separate company, the Seaham Harbour Community Interest Company (CiC). The council has secured funding from Sports England to help the CiC establish a comprehensive programme of activities. The centre will provide a variety of opportunities to try different activities, including stand up paddleboarding and kayaking, all under the watchful eye of trained professionals.
Plus: New ResQ call centre at Spectrum Business Park has brought hundreds of new jobs to the town. £14 million investment in new Seaham School of Technology.
More masterplans overleaf.
County Durham Masterplans
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