Water sports centre sails to award win

Awatersportscentrewhich has played a part in transforming an industrial dock into a tourist hotspot has become an award winner.

The Seaham Harbour Marina venue picked up the Chair’s Award at the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) North East Awards for Planning Excellence.

The awards, which took place on Friday in Newcastle, celebrate outstanding projects that demonstrate the power of planning.

Councillor Carl Marshall, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: “We are absolutely thrilled that the water sports centre has received such high profile recognition, particularly so soon after building work finished.

“We have worked hard to create a building that not only fits in with the rest of the marina development but that also provides services that complement the existing retail and leisure offer. We are confident that the water sports centre will attract more people to the area and further enhance Seaham’s growing reputation as a visitor destination.”

The centre, which has only been operating since July, was paid for by a grant from the Coastal Communities Fund and match-funding from Durham County Council, Seaham Harbour Community Interest Company and Sport England.

It provides a changing facility, showers, kayak store and office space as well as offering a programme of courses in kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding and other activities.

East Coast Fitness is also based at the centre.

The marina itself won RICS and RIBA North East awards in 2014 and a commendation in the North East RTPI Awards in 2014.

The centre’s activities can be followed via the Seaham Harbour Marina Activity Centre Facebook page.