Looking Forward

We propose the development of an ecologically friendly Outdoor Pursuits Centre on the site to cater for a diverse clientele from primary schools to local businesses.
 

Proposal

 
Our proposal is to demolish the redundant hay barn in order to create a sheltered lawn area for outdoor training and relaxation. In addition to this we intend to obtain planning permission to convert the adjacent sheepfold into a state-of-the-art, eco-friendly pursuits centre. The building will make use of the existing steel portal frame and the building will undergo extensive refurbishment. The development will include the following:

• Repairing of the existing roof and sealing the ridge vent.
  
• New guttering and down pipes.
  
• Either solid block walling the exterior or a combination of timber and block. All block work to be rendered and painted.
  
• The insertion of adequate windows and doors to service the building.
  
• Generation of heat through an existing wood furnace system.
  
• Generation of electricity through either wind power or solar panels.
  
• Internal facilities will include the following:
  

1.      Main office.
2.      Reception lobby.
3.      Two lecture rooms.
4.      Kitchen.
5.      Male and Female washing and changing facilities.
6.      Disabled facilities.
7.      Secure store.
 
Please refer to the attached plans for initial proposed layout and design.
 

Investment and Funding

 

Due to the vast amount of capital investment that this proposal would require and the current size of the business, we aim to acquire funding from public grants. We would be looking to acquire grants in the following areas:

·        Grant aid to assist with the capital investment required for the conversion of the building.

·        A fixed asset grant assisting with the cost of purchasing modern training aids such as computers and projectors.

·        Green energy grants to assist in purchasing either a wind turbine or solar panels.

·        Marketing grant to assist with the costs of canvas advertising across all UK schools and colleges.

 

Our main target area for funding will be via the Carbon Trust, The Business Link Rural Asset Development Grant Scheme, The Wear Valley Business Support Program, The Selective Finance for Investment by One North East RDA. We anticipate that the total project cost will be in the region of £100,000 and we hope to achieve 20% of the cost through grant aid.

 
We feel that Weardale Outdoor has the potential, with adequate investment, to become one of the leading suppliers of on-site outdoor pursuits. It is rarely the case that an outdoor pursuits centre can enjoy exclusive use of 400 acres of an AONB. With the guidance of our staff we aim to make their visit to Weardale educational, enjoyable and safe.