• I think a Teeesdale Centre for Social Innovation, would be a great opportunity for the community of Teesdale and Barnard Castle
• Fergus, Barnard Castle Vision
• Whilst walking in Europe we have been impressed by the excellent refreshment facilities for walkers and well way-marked routes to follow. Teesdale could learn from this example and increase visitors to the area.
• Jeff, Cotherstone
• Barnard Castle Vision,
  Teesdale House,
  Galgate,
  Barnard Castle,
  DL12 9EL,
  Tel 01833 696 600

  Text VISION and your message to 07781474422, email us, or fill out this form.

Science & Innovation

The Vision is working with partners in Teesdale to solve the current broadband connectivity problems and to make Barnard Castle a wireless town.  Working with DurhamNet we have drawn up plans to provide next generation broadband across Teesdale using wireless technology.  We have established a small wireless zone in the town centre to test the technology.  Implementation of the project is currently awaiting a decision from One North East on funding.

Building on the success of GSK and current interest in Science Cities, the Vision is exploring options to create an Innovation Park to attract more science and technology based companies to Barnard Castle.  The concept for the Park includes a ‘Buzz Box’ building will incorporate a café, meeting rooms, a science lab and a technology lab, and exhibition space.  The Buzz Box will be a facility for workers in the companies on the Park, and provide an innovation centre for the people of Teesdale, especially young people and children, and a visitor attraction offering programmes in thinking skills, entrepreneurship, science and technology. 

The Innovation Park is part of the master plan for Shaw Bank, adjacent to Teesdale School and the Leisure Centre.  The area has been identified as a key site for investment, and includes proposals for a youth hub with Teesdale Community Resources. See www.tcrhub.org for more info.

The master plan for Shaw Bank is now complete and has been submitted to Teesdale District Council for endorsement.