Eastgate Cement Works

Following the closure of the Lafarge cement works at Eastgate in the Weardale Valley in 2003, Lafarge Cement, Wear Valley District Council, Durham County Council and One NorthEast have joined forces to explore the potential for the redevelopment of this site.
 
Following detailed investigations including the drilling of a 1,000-metre deep borehole in 2004, which confirmed the presence of an underground hot spring, it has been established that by harnessing this geothermal spring along with other renewable energy sources a unique opportunity exists to develop an exemplar sustainable village including housing, leisure and commercial/employment uses on the former cement works site.

David Lock Associates, originally commissioned by Lafarge Cement, producing a draft development framework masterplan for the site in Spring 2005.  A detailed public consultation exercise was undertaken with regard to the draft proposals between July and September 2005 with around two-thirds of respondents supporting the overall development proposals.

Following the award of Single Programme funding in November 2005, David Lock Associates were re-appointed to review the masterplan in light of the consultation comments and emerging market interest in the proposals.  In addition, PB Power and the University of Newcastle were also appointed to carry out further investigations into the geothermal hot water whilst other consultants have been working on ecology, flood risk, hydro-power and other aspects of the proposed development. 

The revised development framework masterplan is likely to be completed by the end of September 2006.  Following this, it is anticipated that work will commence on compiling the hybrid planning application for the proposals with a submission date of June or July 2007.
Separately, Lafarge have completed the demolition of the former cement works and are proceeding with a scheme of restoration works to the former quarry.