THE REGENERATION of an east Durham town has moved another step forward with the approval of plans to demolish a range of disused buildings and replace them with a new primary car centre.

Members of Durham County Council’s area planning committee have given the go-head to proposals to pull town the clinic and magistrates court in St John’s Square, Seaham - a large civic precinct at the heart of the town.

Care Partnerships 25 has proposed building a new primary care centre, as well as a pharmacy on land north of Viceroy Street bounded by Sophia Street and Shelley Street.

The proposal form part of a larger regeneration project for St John’s Square to "provide a cohesive range of modern public buildings and services for Seaham residents".

The proposed health centre will accommodate the GP practices currently sited elsewhere in the town.

In addition, a modern Primary Care Trust-led walk in, therapy and treatment centre will be accommodated. The services will include a minor injuries clinic, x-ray and community dentistry.

The new building will also allow for future expansion or modification, should healthcare needs change.

Durham County Council have already obtained planning consent to build a multi-purpose complex on part of the St. John's Square site.

The facilities to be incorporated include a new library, town council headquarters, cafe, exhibition space, public meeting rooms, office accommodation for the county council and for East Durham Homes, as well as rooms for hire.

Work on this development is expected to begin soon, with completion scheduled for October 2010.

Seaham Town Council leader Ed Mason: "We are delighted these latest plans have been approved.

"The area has been an eyesore for many years.

"The redevelopment of St John’s Square is going to transform the view of the town that people have.

"It will be provide an excellent facility for local people for generations to come."

"Perhaps one of the most important things will be the one-stop-shop facility, where people will be able to find anything they want in terms of council services and health and housing needs."

The £18m Byron Place retail centre - another important project within the Seaham Regeneration Strategy - was opened in November 2007.