Regular readers of these pages will be aware that the redevelopment of Crimdon and the maintenance of the Durham Heritage Coast are among my main priorities and that I see them both as essential components of plans to attract more visitors to our area and give our businesses and the local economy a much needed boost. From the correspondence I receive on a regular basis I know that the people I represent from the Blackhall area and the rest of East Durham share that aim.
Background
The Durham coast has seen a doubling in coastal path users this year (110% year on year from counter output) as a direct result of Covid-19 restrictions. This is reflected in car park use and destination experience.
Local businesses report a 30% reduction in turnover at the end of the summer with a consequent reduction in seasonal jobs.
Nationally the coastal visitor economy has been severely impacted with a £10.3bn loss in tourism spend reported by the National Coastal Tourism Academy, resulting in 7% of businesses permanently closed, those surviving operating at 60% of capacity. Rural coastline has been the top choice for visitors with day visitors up by 60%; reflecting local experience.
Clean and Green have maintained standards across the whole coast and have dealt with the impacts of this remarkable influx of day visitors with no drop-in service.
Natural Environment
The natural environment on the Durham coast has the highest statutory protection available reflecting its importance nationally and locally. We are required by law to protect and enhance these habitats and their species whilst our communities’ benefit from its use as a recreational, educational and community asset. The rapid increase in visitor numbers and the associated levels of disturbance and adverse impacts will require management; particularly access routes and user behaviour.
The Heritage Coast team is working with Durham County Council Ecology on a programme of investment of developers’ funds to minimise and mitigate the disturbance from users. We are working with Durham Constabulary and with partners to improve our Coast Watch initiative. Coast Watch is effectively Neighbourhood Watch for the coast addressing anti-social behaviour and environmental crime.
Current position - Overview
Crimdon Coastal Hub:
Following the redesign and final approval from Cabinet in early October construction work on site started on 19 October 2020 and is programmed for completion in June 2021. This is a £1.6m investment supported by the Coastal Communities Fund and Durham County Council. It comprises a 40-seat café, public toilets with full Changing Places provision and an inside space for volunteers and community group use.
Work continues to secure finance for on site interpretation and waymarking as well as working with local schools and community groups so that they can participate in the production process.
This is a key gateway investment on the coast that will reduce the impacts of visitors on our natural environment and provide a location for schools and community groups to learn more about our wildlife, its value and how to prevent damage. It will also provide a location for volunteer groups involved in the management and maintenance of the Heritage Coast.
The process of appointing an operator is running parallel to the construction of the building.
Tyne to Tees Shores and Seas – SeaScapes Partnership:
National Lottery Heritage Fund finance for this ambitious programme lead by Durham County Council was approved in early March. Subsequently Covid-19 restrictions and the longer-term impacts meant that an interim start for this exciting and long-anticipated £5 million North East coastal and marine project was agreed that allowed immediate and urgent work to progress as restrictions permitted.
TheSeaScapes Delivery Manager is now in post and recruitment of the delivery team has started. 2021 will see the programme emerge with a significant regional and national profile; starting its four-year programme in earnest. The scheme will benefit communities in Durham, South Tyneside, Sunderland and Hartlepool by delivering 23 projects – both on-shore and beneath the sea - from South Shields to Teesmouth.
Horden Station
Horden rail station opened 29 June 2020. As a key transport location we are working with local members to develop and source funding for on station information, interpretation and waymarking.
England Coast Path
The England Coast Path is set to become the world’s longest managed coastal trail with work completing in 2021. Locally, the England Coast path was created in 2016 and has extended northwards and southwards. This is a National Trail in the same family as the Pennine Way. Locally the Heritage Coast provides the secretariat for the managing partnership. The National Trail website is now https//www.nationaltrail.co.uk/en_GB
We have seen the importance of this National Trail as a wonderful local and national asset emerge through 2020.
County Durham Plan
The adoption of the County Durham Plan in October is also a significant step for the coast, as this brings extended statutory protection to our landscape in addition to our designated wildlife sites.
Next Steps
The Heritage Coast Partnership will continue to protect and enhance our natural environment, particularly our protected sites and focussing on how progress on how we manage access to and along the coast.
Once the Crimdon Coastal Hub is complete it is expected that an opening ceremony will be required.
The tourism offer along the coast away from Seaham is still in an embryonic phase. Current investments will change the way that we access the coast, including in our inshore waters. New products and services will develop, and management will adapt and change to reflect this as each opportunity will be expected to contribute to the protection and enhancement of our natural assets
Conclusions
Current investment and initiatives will assist in local recovery from the impacts of Covid-19 and legacy issues for our local communities’ wellbeing and mental health, environmentally and economically.
The Heritage Coast Partnership’s Management Plan will continue to guide the work of the partnership with the Business Plan providing direction for project development, resourcing and delivery.