Member Article

Environmentally friendly infrastructure plans outlined for Durham

Durham City could be set for an environmental overhaul, if plans for green improvements to the Mount Oswald site are approved.

The Banks Group, have developed a ‘green infrastructure plan’ for the Mount Oswald site, which would see the creation of a number of natural corridors through the site, opening up into a number of public spaces and footpaths covering more than 17 acres of land on the site.

Play areas, a community garden and a new woodland area in the centre of the site would also link to existing copses and 3.5 kilometres of new footpaths.

John Ruddick, senior property development manager at The Banks Group, says: “Taking a holistic, environmentally-focussed approach to this development will enable us to not only create the high-quality homes and student accommodation, but also a much-improved natural environment that will enhance the city’s wider landscape.

“The new public spaces that we want to create will be open to everyone who lives and works in the city to use, and they’ve been designed to offer appropriate locations for whatever leisure activities people want to pursue, from sport and exercise to simply enjoying the natural surroundings.

The Banks Group also plan to introduce measures which will support the diversification of wildlife in the area, and locations which are currently used by species including bats and badgers will be safeguarded and improved.

Mark Dowdall, environment and community director at The Banks Group, adds: “This is a landmark development for the city, and every aspect of it is being planned out in great detail to ensure we put forward the most appropriate designs and ideas for the site that we can.

“As well as providing new public open spaces and community facilities to the area, the realisation of this scheme would deliver many other benefits, including creating employment opportunities for local people, enhancing the local property market and bringing increased revenues for the local and regional economies.

“We believe our proposals very much fit in with the local authority’s vision for the city’s future, and look forward to being able to finalise and submit our planning application later in the year.”

The new development is aimed at students, and it hoped that it will help to establish more balanced communities in Durham city centre by freeing up properties currently occupied by student housing for use by families and young professionals.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .