East DurhamThe District in Profile
The former Easington District Council has made massive progress in local regeneration schemes over the past 7 years (2009). On the physical side of regeneration over £300m of investment has been pumped into the area. Flagship schemes include the exciting Dalton Park retail outlet, improvements to Seaham Promenade and relocation of the Seaham Harbour Dock Company. There are also a number of significant private sector developments such as the exceptional Seaham Hall Hotel Complex.
Much of the regeneration is aimed at providing new opportunities for employment to replace the thousands of jobs lost due to the closure of the mining industry. Projects have included:
- Job fairs to signpost job opportunities to local people
- Managed £27m of project activity under rounds 5 and 6 of the Single Regeneration Budget
- Worked with Community Groups to bring about projects to the value of almost £2.25m, secured £3m of Government support for the Neighbourhood Renewal Pathfinder scheme, and have allocated almost £9m for Neighbourhood Renewal funded service improvements
This is a clear sign that the Council's ambition to make the District Great is being turned into reality. If you would like to now more about regeneration in Easington and the North East, please see links to your left.
East Durham has a population of 94,000 and covers an area of 145km2. East Durham occupies a prime location on the north-south route of the A19 between the North East’s two City Regions – Tyne and Wear and Tees Valley. The two main towns in the District are Peterlee and Seaham, which both have a population in excess of 20,000 and offer a range of local services.
Unfortunately perceptions of Easington are still rooted in the past, reflecting the economic, social and environmental legacy of the coal industry. However, significant economic regeneration has helped shape the area now known for:
- The development of the former Enterprise Zone site at Spectrum Business Park which has created a market for industrial and business space in Easington as well as the headquarters of Business Link North East
- Seaham Hall & Serenity Spa, the North East’s only 5 star hotel
- The revitalisation of the housing market in Seaham including the East Shore Village
- The designation of Heritage Coast status following the completion of the £10 million ‘Turning the Tide’ environmental improvement programme
Since 2003 Easington has seen an increase in its population by 1.0%. Over the last few years the population of the District has been stable.
Regeneration
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