WHEN the gates of the steelworks at Consett swung closed for the final time, it brought an end to 140 years of production on the site.

The giant 700-acre steelworks site is now being transformed from a reminder of economic decline to a symbol of future potential.

In 1993, when much of the clearance and decontamination work had already been completed, Derwentside District Council signed a deal with Dysart Developments to form Project Genesis and the organisation became the driving force behind the regeneration of the site.

Since then, much has been achieved with mixed developments of homes, offices, retail and light industry, as well as the new Derwentside College - the jewel in the crown of Consett town centre.

Business confidence is higher than at any time since the steelworks closed and new initiatives are being developed, with a focus on the giant plateau at the centre of the site, which has thus far remained largely undeveloped.

Last year, the company was taken over by local property developer Morris Muter, who has made clear his intention to accelerate regeneration on the former steelworks site.

With the first stage of development complete, Project Genesis is also working to speed up the town's regeneration.

Imminent plans include a series of housing developments, which it will construct and market, with a hotel and restaurant scheme and an innovation centre to provide high quality, low-cost accommodation for new businesses.

Work is also well advanced on a proposal for sports centre at the heart of the steelworks site.

The £14m project will incorporate a tennis club, swimming pool, squash court, sports hall and fitness rooms, changing rooms, 14 outdoor junior football pitches and a pitch with athletics track.

The sports centre, south of Genesis Way, will utilise the existing access and infrastructure.

Mr Muter said: "The closure of the steelworks did provide one unique opportunity in that no other town of comparable size has ever had such a large area of brownfield land become available for redevelopment.

"There is still a long way to go before regeneration of the entire site is completed, but this is a major step forward that demonstrates a cast-iron commitment to deliver on our brief to unlock the potential of the steelworks site."