Contributors
Construction has officially begun on one of the UK’s first large-scale mine water heat projects at Seaham in County Durham, thanks to support from international law firm Womble Bond Dickinson. Womble Bond Dickinson (WBD) advised affordable housing developer Karbon Homes on its heat supply arrangements, to connect its 750 new homes on the development to the pioneering mine water heat network.
When complete, the innovative low carbon heat source will supply reliable, eco-friendly heating to the homes, using geothermal heat sourced from disused coal mines.
This not only significantly reduces carbon emissions and fosters sustainable living, but also transforms historic industrial spaces into hubs for low-carbon energy, part of a wider Government initiative to repurpose abandoned coal mines as sources of green heat.
Andrew Hirst, Partner at Womble Bond Dickinson, commented:
“The Seaham Garden Village project demonstrates how former industrial sites can be repurposed as sustainable energy assets. Our team is proud to play a key role in delivering this innovative, low-carbon heating solution that will make a tangible difference to the local community.”
The project follows WBD’s work with Karbon Homes in 2022 on the acquisition and development agreements for the Seaham Garden Village project.
Seaham Garden Village was designed with sustainability at its core, and comprises 1,500 homes, a primary school, a village centre, and innovation hubs. The development is a joint venture by Karbon Homes, Taylor Wimpey and Miller Homes, and part of the Government’s national Garden Village initiative, where developments are designed around community and sustainability.
Sarah Robson, Executive Director of Development and Asset Management at Karbon Homes, said:
“Seaham Garden Village is a unique and exciting development project with sustainability at its heart, and we’re proud to be a key partner in its delivery. Working with our construction partner Esh Group, Karbon is building 750 of the 1,500 homes planned, all of which will be available for either affordable rent or an affordable home ownership tenure, helping local people take the first steps on the property ladder.
“It’s fantastic to be working with Vital Energi who will operate the scheme, alongside Durham County Council and the Mining Remediation Authority. Karbon Homes will be the first user to connect homes to the new Dawdon mine water heating system, a process through which WBD’s advice and support has been first-class.
“It plays a key role in our commitment to ensuring the new homes we build are of the highest quality and energy efficiency. Alongside the installation of other energy efficiency technologies, like solar PV panels, the new homes we’re building will be well on the way to net zero.”
The project is set to become a model for sustainable development across the UK, proving that collaboration and innovation can pave the way for greener, community-focused living.
