A scheme to deliver public space improvements in a County Durham seaside town will begin early in the new year.
The final phase of the £1.6million Seaham Townscape Heritage Project, which is supported by funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, is due to commence onsite on 6 January, 2022. Following its successful tender submission, Seymour Civil Engineering Contractors has been appointed to undertake the works on behalf of Durham County Council.
Phase 1 of the works will see the construction of new parking bays on and around Terrace Green in the town. During this time, the car parking area around Terrace Green will be closed for approximately four weeks. Phase 2 of the works includes the removal of the car parking bays at North Terrace and the widening and re-paving of the footpath.
Businesses are set to benefit from the increased space on North Terrace, which will allow the opportunity for additional outdoor seating for customers whilst enhancing the ever-popular café culture in the area. The scheme will also improve links and connectivity between North Terrace and Terrace Green.
The Seaham Townscape Heritage Project aims to restore buildings and improve spaces within Seaham Conservation area, to create attractive, vibrant and interesting places for people to live, work and visit. It is part of the council’s Towns and Villages strategy, which has been developed to enhance communities across the county by investing in projects that deliver the best possible outcomes for residents and businesses.
The works have been programmed during the winter period to minimise disruption to residents and visitors, avoid peak visitor and retail trading times and to accelerate the programme of works as quickly and safely as possible.
The work is expected to take approximately 16 weeks and whilst every effort has been made to minimise disruption, temporary traffic and pedestrian management measures will be implemented during the work.
Cllr Elizabeth Scott, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “The Seaham Townscape Heritage Project is vital to the ongoing redevelopment of Seaham, making it an even more vibrant place to live, work and visit.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank local residents and businesses for their patience while this programme of work is carried out. Once completed, the enhanced footpaths will make the area more accessible to everyone to visit and enjoy.”
Businesses and residents local to the area should have received a letter from the council outlining the work set to take place. Businesses should also have received a further letter and follow-up visit from council officers last week.
Residents or businesses with any concerns about access during the works are encouraged to contact the council’s project team on 03000 262007 or email seahamtownscapeheritage@durham.gov.uk
For further information on the Seaham Townscape Heritage Project go to www.durham.gov.uk/article/19357/Seaham-Townscape-Heritage-Project