WORK to redevelop Seaham Harbour has won a prestigious national award.

The initiative received the Excellence in Planning for Health and Wellbeing honour at the Royal Town Planning Institute’s (RTPI) Awards for Planning Excellence 2018 held in London.

At the heart of the redevelopment, which has been carried out by Durham County Council, is the creation of a marina and water sports centre, with space for 96 boats and an interpretation centre.

The centre has led to the creation of 59 jobs and has become a hub for a range of local community, sporting and recreational groups which offer a range of sports and leisure activities.

Councillor Kevin Shaw, cabinet member for strategic housing and assets and local member for Dawdon, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have won this award.

“It’s fantastic recognition of the hard work that has taken place to create a building which complements the rest of the marina development and takes into account the environmental and ecological conditions of the site.

“The centre provides a fantastic space for leisure, recreation, health and wellbeing activities for local communities and we know that the facilities it offers are already enhancing Seaham’s reputation as a visitor destination.”

Craig McLarenk, RTPI awards advisor said: “It is great to see the town’s greatest asset – the sea – being made into good use and enjoyed by more people.

“Seaham Harbour is a well thought through scheme, which is part of a long-term project for the area that should help the local community improve their health and wellbeing – creating a sustainable sports centre.”