THE final phase of a ten-year plan to revitalise a former colliery site is being realised.

Construction work on land occupied by Vane Tempest Colliery, in Seaham, is being carried out by a consortium of regional house builders - Yuill Homes, Haslam Homes and Miller Homes.

They were appointed by regional development agency One NorthEast, which owns the land, after winning a design competition in 2001.

Located on the seafront and within five minutes of the town centre, the 32-hectare site was identified as ideal for homes. Work began in 2000, when One NorthEast co-ordinated a £5m reclamation scheme, funded by national regeneration agency English Partnerships' National Coalfields Programme.

Restoration of the site took 14 months and included the provision of services and roads, landscaping and a network of footpaths and cycleways.

The final phase of its transformation will include the creation of 561 private houses and 28 self-build plots, a pub and restaurant, a Durham County Council care home and public open space.

It is envisaged that the area will complement other regeneration projects taking place in Seaham.

Phil Hughes, board member of One NorthEast, said: "One NorthEast is pleased to see its plans for this large brownfield site coming to fruition.

"The site, occupying a superb position overlooking the Durham coastline, which has already been successfully transformed by the Turning the Tide project, is an important piece in the Seaham regeneration jigsaw."

Aimed at offering a choice of housing, the development is already attracting buyers, with 35 homes being sold within the first week of their release.

Euan Hall, of English Partnerships, said: "The former Vane Tempest Colliery is being transformed into a sustainable community for the 21st Century, in a superb location.

"We have worked closely with partners One NorthEast and the consortium of house builders to transform a large area of derelict land into one of the most attractive developments in the area."