RWO appointed on former steelworks scheme

Bellway is turning the 34-acre Weardale site in Wolsingham into 120 homes and has turned to the engineering firm for foundation designs for the complex plot.

Located in County Durham, the Weardale Steelworks was operational between 1864 until 2008, when it closed due to viability issues.

Made up of two- to four-bed homes, the housing estate will also see some historic buildings preserved for future community use.

County Durham granted detailed permission for the development in August 2024 and Bellway broke ground on the development in spring 2025.

RWO executive director Sam Innes, 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.”