15th May 09 - Clean bill of health and green for ‘go’ at derelict factory site near Bowburn
Homes and Communities Agency enables development and NHBC congratulates contractors on clean up operations
A 30 acre derelict factory site adjacent to Bowburn North Industrial Estate has been declared clean and prepared for future development by inspectors of the National House Builders Council (NHBC). Funding from the newly formed Homes and Communities Agency will enable an attractive new homes development to go ahead.
Since the company operating the site closed in 1990 and the factory buildings were demolished in 1993 the site has been an eyesore and of concern to residents in the area.
Esh Group bought the site in early 2008 and appointed specialist contractors, north east based Sirius Remediation Limited, to carry out the clean up operations.
Work began in July 2008 and was completed, on schedule, at the end of April. Phil Brown, Technical Manager of Sirius Remediation Limited explained:
“We’ve removed over 20,000 m3 material from the site and have broken up the huge concrete slabs and brick foundations which had been left after the original demolition works. This concrete, brick and stone has been validated, crushed and turned into 15,000 m3 of recycled aggregate material which can be re-used later for road and paving construction. This is really sound sustainable practice and now the surface of the site is clean and ready for development.”
Janet Blackburn speaking on behalf of the Bowburn & Parkhill Community Partnership said:
“We have been most impressed with the work of both Sirius and Esh Group. It’s been refreshing to work with people who do what they say they will and are open and honest. I’m pleased to say we’ve been very happy with both the co-ordination and the communication and we look forward to seeing the site being put to good use.”
Jan Hillary, Head of Communications at Durham County Council said:
“The completion of this project is good news for everyone; the overall clean up and redevelopment will make a huge difference to the area.
“Esh Group has taken a real lead on this and securing the support of the Homes and Communities Agency is tremendous news.”
The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) has been set up to provide funding for bringing land back into productive use and improving quality of life by raising standards of the physical and social environment and to create affordable housing,. Although the Agency works nationally it support the ambitions of local partners to provide better places that offer great homes and good jobs. Over the next three years the HCA will invest £8.4bn in affordable housing throughout the UK.
