RWO helps unlock former steelworks site

A civil and structural engineering firm is helping to unlock a former industrial site for housing-led regeneration in County Durham.

Seaton Burn-headquartered RWO has secured new work supporting the redevelopment of the former Weardale Steelworks site in Wolsingham, which is being transformed into a new residential community. 

RWO has been appointed by housebuilder Bellway to deliver structural design services for the 13.7-hectare site. 

The work includes providing complex structural foundation designs to address the challenges of redeveloping a long-established steelworks location.

Once complete, the scheme will deliver 120 new homes, ranging from two to four bedrooms.

Sam Innes, executive director at RWO, said: “This has been a challenge from an engineering perspective, but our experience on similar projects and technical insight has helped pave the way for Bellway to progress their plans for this much needed new housing scheme in an important location.”

Will Chan, engineering manager at Bellway, added: “We have utilised RWO’s unparalleled engineering expertise on this project. 

“They are an important partner, ensuring the engineering foundation work is correct from the start.”

The former Weardale Steelworks was a major local employer for more than 140 years before closing in 2008. 

Its transformation is expected to bring new housing and wider economic benefits to the Weardale area, marking a significant step forward in the regeneration of the industrial site.

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