Plans to reinstall the historic gate at Hardwick Hall have been approved, enhancing local heritage.
Sedgefield: The original gate of Hardwick Hall will be reinstalled soon. It will go back to its original spot along Durham Road.
The Friends of Hardwick group is leading this restoration project. They aim to strengthen the historic connection between Sedgefield and Hardwick Park.
This gate will stand 2.25 meters high and 1.565 meters wide. It will be mounted on a steel display structure with a plaque for historical context.
The original gates were taken down in the 1990s when the Hardwick Road estate was built. One gate was lost, but the other has been kept at Hardwick Park.
Restoration will include shot-blasting, repairs, and repainting. The local community supports this project, and no objections have been raised.
Michael Rudd, a former chairman of the Friends of Hardwick, wrote a supportive letter. He called the project “very worthwhile.”
The proposals follow County Durham Plan Policy 6, which allows development on unallocated sites. They also meet standards for enhancing heritage understanding.
The council’s Design and Conservation Team welcomed the project. It highlights the historic importance of Hardwick Park’s eastern entrance.
The Highways Department has no concerns. The gate will be set back from the road and nearby bus stop, ensuring no obstruction.
Planning permission lasts for three years. Work must start before January 28, 2028. The project must follow the approved plans and submit a notification form two weeks before starting.
