Proposals for Seaham Harbour have been developed in phases with the aim of boosting local enterprise, sustainable economic growth and employment, increasing visitor numbers, and creating a more positive image to residents and visitors.
The project involved far reaching public consultation (in particular with Friends of North Dock Seaham) and it was recognised that the future of the dock would only succeed through a social, working and functioning facility. This was supported by the business case and the creation of a Community Interest Company to facilitate this and was the subject of a successful application for funding from ONE North East.
The Waterside Building was completed as part of phase 2a of the development to bring economic life back to the North Dock by providing a range of small and flexible workspace units suitable for workshops or bespoke office use linked to the maritime context of the dock. The project also provides a cafe, viewing terrace and a manager’s office, together with slipway improvements, provision of a lock gate (located to the original position of the abandoned lock gates) and marine berthing pontoons within the dock.
The material palette is simple with an emphasis on low maintenance and sustainability to ensure practical maintenance of the structure. Flood risk is a key issue in a marina environment and the building is set on a hard landscaped extended ‘plinth’ to suit the flood level. The completed marina was oversubscribed when it came into full public use. The project set the design standards and acted as a catalyst for the following phases by creating a heritage-based tourist attraction whilst also further developing the marine activities.
