HOPES for a new heritage visitor centre in former east Durham mining community have moved a step forward with the creation of plans and three-dimensional models by a group of design students.

Easington Colliery Heritage Group (ECHG), which aims to preserve the history of the town’s mining heritage, approached Cleveland College of Art & Design, in Middlesbrough, with the opportunity for students to take part in a live brief.

Level 3 3D design students Owen Williams, 18, Rebecca Robson, 18 and Ahmed Elkamel, 19, were given a detailed brief by ECHG and were tasked with creating a visually impressive design of the centre, meeting specific requirements and highlighting the industrial heritage.

This included a in-depth research by the students on the Easington community and its mining history, so to reflect the past and preserve its memory for future generations.

Each student produced a 3D model of their chosen design, as well as a detailed final report, which laid out the research behind the proposed designs, the specifications, ideas and inspirations which influenced the designs, along with images and sketches.

ECHG committee member Brian Jolly, from ECHG, said: “The students have done a fantastic job and each one has incorporated something about the area and its coal mining heritage and local history, which is very important to reflect.

“We didn’t expect this much detail and Owen, Rebecca and Ahmed have far exceeded what we wanted to present to the rest of the group and local councillors.

“The 3D models have helped ECHG to envisage what the proposed visitors centre could look like and is much better than just having pictures to look at, as the concept is easier to visualise.”

Owen Williams, of Peterlee, is going on to study for his degree in architecture at Northumbrian University.

His designs were inspired through his family’s experiences, with two generations having worked at the colliery - his grandad worked in the mine and his father helped to level the mine.

He said: “My design for the centre is clean, clear and crisp, with lots of curves and brick that looks like wood. I fell in love with the view, so constructed a balcony for visitors to enjoy.”

Mr Jolly said the committee was taking its first steps with the project and so were way from organising fundraising efforts. The next stage will be to seek the support of the community at large through a consultation process.