Welcome to Weardale Works, a website dedicated to keeping you up to date with the progress of the proposed Renewable Energy Village at Eastgate, Weardale - a project of the Weardale Task Force.

Perhaps you are a resident in Eastgate or the surrounding area, or maybe you have heard about this unique new development on the site of the old Blue Circle / Lafarge Works and want to know more.

You’ll find information here about the project, what it aims to achieve, the benefits it will bring to Weardale and the leisure and learning opportunities it will offer to people throughout the North East and even further a field.

Eastgate Renewable Energy Village is a vital part of the economic regeneration of Weardale and it aims to create at least 350 jobs for local people and new opportunities for local businesses.

The development is based on the concept of demonstrating five forms of renewable energy, which is only possible because of the recent confirmation of a geothermal source, right here in the Dale!

As well as housing and business accommodation, the renewable energy village will include a hotel, a renewable energy education centre and tourist attractions, of which a hot springs spa, using geothermally heated water, will be a major feature. Adjoining hillside and quarries beyond – all part of the Lafarge landholding at Eastgate – will be used for recreational activities, including mountain biking.

After seven years of work on the planning of the redevelopment of the site, a major milestone was reached on 28 September 2009 when Durham County Council resolved to grant outline planning permission for plans submitted by Weardale Task Force, subject to the Government Office for the North East not wishing to call-in the application for a public inquiry and determination by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government. On 10 November 2009, the Government Office announced that it was not calling in the application. This now paves the way for the County Council to formally issue outline planning permission.

Please browse through the different sections of our website, which will be updated as developments occur, to find the latest news on what’s happening regarding this unique and exciting project for Weardale!