Work begins to enhance County Durham coastal town’s heritage

Durham County Council has announced work has started on a £2.25m regeneration scheme in the coastal town of Seaham.

The project aims to breath fresh life into Seaham’s historic town centre and focuses on the regeneration of targeted properties in the Church Street area.

It will also help to encourage pedestrian movement around the centre, boosting footfall and aiding the town’s recovery from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Over the next eight weeks, new paving will be laid at the entrance points of Church Street, additional seating will be installed and a large brick planter will be removed. Seymour Civil Engineering Contractors is carrying out the work on the council’s behalf, following a successful tender submission.

It is the first phase of the public realm works, with enhancements also planned for the North Terrace, Terrace Green and South Terrace areas later this year. This includes the restoration of exposed Rainton Railway Line tracks to create a focal point.

Business improvement grants have also been offered to targeted property owners and occupiers to assist with restoration works, such as repairing and reinstating traditional features and opening currently inaccessible upper floor spaces. Discussions with grant applicants are well underway and planning permission is now in place for the first two properties.

A series of training courses is also being arranged, where residents and businesses can learn more about the town’s heritage and how it can be protected.

‘I am delighted the public realm improvements in Seaham town centre have begun,’ said cabinet member for strategic housing and assets, Cllr Kevin Shaw.

‘The pandemic has hit high streets across the country hard and the work we are undertaking will help Seaham town centre to recover, creating a vibrant and accessible environment for residents, businesses and visitors.

‘Church Street in particular is home to a number of small, family-owned businesses and we hope this project will provide a welcome boost as we continue the longer-term regeneration work which has transformed our town,’ he added.

Photo Credit – Stevepb (Pixabay)