Hotel and spa operators have been invited by a consortium of developers to invest in an eco-tourism site, Eastgate Renewable Energy Village, in County Durham.

The site will use five forms of renewable energy: geothermal, hydro (water), wind, solar and biomass and is inviting spa developers to use the heated waters underneath the site as a hot springs spa.

A group called the Weardale Task Force comprising of Wear Valley District Council, Durham County Council, One NorthEast and Lafarge Cement UK (who own the site) are promoting the site to potential developers.

John Topliss, a spokesman for the Weardale Task Force, said: “We are setting out to create something special - a living, working, learning and leisure environment to provide much needed economic regeneration and sustainable jobs.

“The uniqueness of the project, together with its location and the potential for visitors to access wider regional attractions, is a very strong draw for any hotel operator,” he said.

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By Christopher Walton

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