News-Plans for new County Durham athletics track move forward

East Durham Community Athletics Track (EDCAT) was set up to raise funds for an athletics facility in the Sedgefield area to support the aspirations of athletes of all abilities.

With our support, the charity investigated a number of potential sites before settling on land at the North East Technology Park (NETPark) on the outskirts of Sedgefield as its preferred option.

NETPark is owned by the council and, next week, our Cabinet will be asked to grant EDCAT an Option Agreement on 16.2 acres of land at the park.

Robust business plan

The agreement will give the charity time, and the legal rights required, to develop a robust and sustainable business plan for the facility. It will also remove the land as an area designated for industrial development within NETPark and the wider Local Plan.

EDCAT, which was set up my members of local athletics club, Sedgefield Harriers, secured conditional planning permission for an athletics track, floodlighting, changing facilities and car parking on the site in 2022.

If the charity achieves the conditions set out within the Options Agreement, the land would be transferred on a 30-year lease.

Room to expand

Home to world-leading science and technology businesses, NETPark is the North East's only science park and has been designated for growth through the creation of a new Investment Zone for the region.

The park has already grown considerably since it opened in 2004, with the current phase three expansion having the potential to create around 1,250 skilled jobs, plus 2,200 in the supply chain. When complete, it is expected to contribute £625 million to the local economy within the next ten years.

Cabinet will hear that while the creation of the athletics track would result in a loss of land for strategic employment in the future, a further 100 acres would still be available at NETPark, providing substantial development opportunities for years to come.

What is more, the athletics track supports our commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of its communities and creating more opportunities for residents of all ages to participate in sport and physical activity.

Benefits to the community

Cllr James Rowlandson, our Cabinet member for resources, investments and assets, said: "We are wholly supportive of EDCAT's vision of creating a running track for the use of athletics clubs, sports and community groups, schools, businesses and the wider community. Over the years, we have worked with the charity to identify potential sites and offered advice and guidance throughout the process.

"Because NETPark is of such great economic importance to County Durham, it's important that we consider this project carefully. We believe the benefits to the local area will be great, but we need to make sure that the funding can be secured, and the project is sustainable. The Option Agreement will provide EDCAT with the time and legal standing it needs to demonstrate this."

Cabinet will meet at County Hall in Durham at 10am on Wednesday 12 February.