IT is too easy to get mired in talk of recession without recognising that the wheels of commerce are still turning.

Reports from companies attending last week’s North-East Chamber of Commerce Durham Committee provided evidence of this. Fitting then that the committee met at Durham Business School, a centre dedicated to improving business performance.

Improving the economy was a thread running through the meeting, particularly from the key speaker, John Topliss, of One NorthEast’s regeneration team, who gave an update on the vision for the Eastgate Renewable Energy Village.

The demise of the Lafarge cement works in Eastgate was well documented in this newspaper, and plans for its replacement have equally been given air-time. But it is worth recapping on what is planned.

This is a site with unique properties, not least the underground geothermal activity. What is planned for the 350- hectare site is a mix of leisure and business that is predicted to bring 225,000 visitors each year.

The scars left by the cement works and alterations to the landscape are dramatic.

The proposed plans show just what you can do to positively alter an area.

The proposals include plans for a geothermal heated public spa, residential and business accommodation with an initially estimated job creation of 350 jobs.

A hotel, hostel and holiday lets have been considered along with a range of leisure activities that take into account the rural location and attractions on offer.

Opportunities for sports such as mountain biking are growing in popularity and this could be one of the selling points with regards to attracting visitors along with the potential to host competitions.

For me, the interest lies in the reinvention of an area that will add to the economy, both in new jobs and homes and the added value to tourism and the local ecocomy.

The project has still to go to final planning, but it is worth recognising that despite concerns over the current economic climate, the region has maintained its ambition to keep driving.

■ Joanne Fryett is head of member relations at North-East Chamber of Commerce.