Coalfields Programme
The National Coalfields Programme assists former coalfield communities across England by creating new employment, homes, leisure facilities and public spaces. One NorthEast is working with English Partnerships, the Coalfields Communities Campaign, Coalfields Regeneration Trust and other key local and private-sector partners to bring forward projects that provide far-reaching benefits to local communities.
The Programme works to achieve the following:
- High standards of sustainability
- Catalyst for land acquisition, site assembly, remediation and master planning
- Innovation in remediation and
- Active involvement of local communities
The Programme's objectives also include the reclamation of coalfield sites, the creation of employment, the construction of new homes and commercial premises and the creation of public spaces.
The Agency and its partners have made good progress delivering the Coalfield Programme in the Region, particularly with improvements in the commercial property and housing markets. Much remains to be done and the Programme over the life of the Corporate Plan will include:
- Reclamation and transformation of the 120-acre Weetslade colliery site in North Tyneside into a country park by autumn 2006
- At Dawdon and Foxcover terms have been agreed with private sector developers to dispose of the remaining sites subject to a development agreement. Work will continue on the first plot at Dawdon
- At Foxcover an option for a lease of land to a wind farm operator is being developed
- English Partnerships will deliver the reclamation of Lambton and Fenwick Eccles
- Cambois has been added to the National Coal Programme and One NorthEast, English Partnerships and local partners will deliver the project within the context of the Blyth Estuary Strategy
- The Agency and its partners will work with Easington District Council to bring forward development at Hawthorn
