North Dock, Seaham
Client: Easington District Council

At the end of 2006, Archeo-Environment was commissioned by the District of Easington Council, to undertake a Conservation Management Plan for the North Dock, Seaham. Part of the original coal port built in 1828, the North Dock had once formed the economic and social heart of the community but in recent years had slipped into gradual decline. Working with local interest groups, the district council proposed a scheme to regenerate the harbour area and breathe new life into this once vibrant coal mining community. Conservation had to be a priority in order to ensure that the very qualities which made North Dock important were not threatened or destroyed by inappropriate development or poor quality design. 

Archaeo-Environment co-ordinated a range of surveys and a series of public consultation sessions which helped to define the cultural value and historic character of the site. The resulting Conservation Management Plan went on to provide a series of practical policies and management pathways to guide future development at the dock. In so doing, it is hoped that the significance of the site will be retained for future generations of visitors to enjoy. Subsequently, the plan was adopted by all major stakeholders and submitted to HLF in support of further funding and was recently awarded £2.5 million.

To download a PDF of the full plan, click here...

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