News

West Park Progress

Date: 07/08/2003

Reclamation work and landscaping of the former Darchem works to form the West Park development have continued since planning permission was granted in early 2002. Planting of 46,000 trees and shrubs and the wild flower meadow areas and grassland which will form the 33 acre heart of the park are now complete.

'Caring Sharing & Daring', the project's arts strategy is being implemented, the first phase being the installation of three sets of large sculptures within the park land to be completed during the summer. These will become obvious from the surrounding area and will provide artistic and ecological links throughout the development.

A second phase will be implemented shortly and will include bridge crossings of the West Beck water course and incorporation of an enclosure at the heart of the park.

Highways improvements on the A68 West Auckland Road are progressing and should improve access to the development and along West Auckland Road.

Work on the County Durham & Darlington Priority Services NHS hospital has recently started on site and the hospital is due to open in autumn 2004.

Bellway Homes (North East), our housing partner at West Park, have recently started the first homes on the site which will be available in the autumn.

A planning application has recently been submitted by Darlington Borough Council for a new primary school to serve the Faverdale area, including West Park. Subject to planning permission this will be located adjoining the park entrance and the proposed community village which will also include local amenities such as doctors' surgery, convenience store, pharmacy and homes for elderly persons.

The success of Darlington Mowden Park Rugby Club continues and a planning application has now been submitted for their new facility which will adjoin the Westpark development and provide 'state of the art' pitches and training facilities in a sustainable and accessible settmg.

Funher details of the scheme are available in the second edition of Westpark Community magazine which was distributed throughout Darlington in August 2003.

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