Eastgate development to feature eco village

Weardale Task Force plans to develop an eco-friendly mixed-use development on a former cement works and quarry site in Weardale Valley in the North Pennines, County Durham, UK.

The Eastgate Renewable Energy Village scheme will comprise residential and business accommodation; a heritage railway service; a geo-thermally heated public hot springs spa; a hotel, hostel and holiday lets; a visitor centre with education facilities and a range of leisure activities, including mountain bike trails, a dry toboggan run and nature trails.

A residential outdoor education and activity centre is also planned. It aims to teach school children about renewable energy, while offering outdoor activities such as climbing, orienteering, initiative tasks, mountain biking, archery, fencing, zip wire, quad bikes and football.

The site will use geothermal, hydro, wind, solar and biomass renewable energy sources.

A planning application is expected to be submitted in October, with permission anticipated in 2008.

The Task Force comprises One NorthEast, Wear Valley District Council, Durham County Council and Lafarge Cement UK.