Engineering firm RWO has secured a complex new engineering brief supporting a major North East regeneration project that will deliver dozens of much needed new homes.

Under an undisclosed deal, RWO is providing structural design services to Bellway, which is redeveloping the 13.7-hectare site of the former Weardale Steelworks in Wolsingham into 120 new two-, three- and four-bedroom homes.

The brief involves challenging engineering work, with RWO delivering specialist structural foundation designs to enable redevelopment of the complex brownfield site.

Located in County Durham, the Weardale Steelworks was a significant local employer for more than 140 years, producing high-quality steel from 1864 until its closure in 2008. Bellway’s scheme will transform the site into an energy-efficient housing development, retaining elements of historic buildings for future use while bringing economic benefits to the wider Weardale area.

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 has been closed for more than 15 years, having operated continuously between 1864 and 2008, during which time it provided employment and wider economic benefits to the local community.