Cycling through Consett
Following a public consultation exercise in 2010 an exciting new ‘Master Plan’ for the former Steel Works site was produced.
This revised plan was ambitious, outlining major developments to continue the regeneration and development of the site taking into account the needs of the area and community. Since 2010, much has already been achieved; the Trust has completed a new Tesco’s Superstore, Fawcett Park, Workshops and offices at Hownsgill, new footpath lights on the A692, 30 affordable rented bungalows for Durham Aged Miners Housing Association, Dove’s Warehouse and Distribution center, offices for a number of local businesses, two substantial residential developments and a Starbucks coffee shop.
2014 saw the granting of planning permission to construct up to 480 houses and bungalows by 2024, ensuring the site and Consett, with its new places to work, eat and shop, will become a real destination for people to visit, live, eat and work.
The site is called Regents Park and the first houses were occupied in Spring 2015. Further phases have been completed/started since then and this with the other housing projects on the site has helped build a strong, stable and sustainable community.
That’s not all! In September 2014, the Trust unveiled the newly landscaped, Fawcett Park, an extension of the existing Urban Park and available for the public to use, and since then we have also continued our leisure provision with the upgrading of the Sea to Sea cycle route.
Tourism
The Sea to Sea (C2C) cycle route is a major tourist attraction running through Consett. On most days of the year, hundreds of cyclists can be seen powering their way from the North West to the North East. Recognising its importance to the community, and the opportunities it creates for local businesses, the Trustees agreed to improve the ever popular route.
The C2C route is both part of the history and the future of Consett as it’s a major tourist attraction used by 1000s of cyclists each year.
As part of this development, the plan is to create an extended network of footpaths and associated feature artworks, along which visitors and townspeople will be able to interpret and understand the story of the Steelworks from its creation in 1840 to its closure in 1980.
Commercial and Industrial
The Trust has further ambitions to build industrial workshops and office units on the Hownsill Industrial Park, commercial units for retail and professional services, and the service sector at Ponds Court and various housing projects.
The proposed renewable technologies park will provide much-needed employment opportunities for local people.
Future development:
- Continuing the development of Regents Park
- Hownsgill Industrial Park
- Derwent View Health and Leisure development
- Tourist and visitor attractions
Are you a business looking to invest or relocate?
The Genesis site is one of Durham County Council’s Strategic employment sites. As outlined, the scope of build is ambitious and is already attracting numerous opportunities for companies to invest and establish new or relocating businesses in Consett.
The Trust is interested in speaking to any businesses wishing to take advantage of these progressive development opportunities.
If your business is retail, commercial, manufacturing or investment and you’d like to find out more, please either call the management centre on 01207 581 119 or complete our contact form.
We look forward to hearing from you.
