Lambton Park confirms reopening date for public footpaths

The Lambton Estate had been closed to the public for decades since the safari park in the grounds shut its doors in 1980.

But the estate opened almost 10 miles of new pathways as part of a major redevelopment in July 2020.

Four new walks were created, accessible from a public car park off the A183 at Bournmoor as part of a deal with Durham County Council to secure planning permission for development work in the grounds.

The pathways, which are not paved, are closed during the winter but were due to reopen at the beginning of February.

However, estate bosses were given permission to put back the date in light of the winter’s bad weather and the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Now they have confirmed the walkways will reopen to the public from this Saturday, May 29.

The routes will be open daily from 9am until 6pm (last access 5pm) until June 30, after which, they will be open on Sundays only until September 30.

Limited car parking will be available in a dedicated car park at Bowes Business Park, with a £3 charge.

Calum Gillhespy, from managing agents GSC Grays, said last year that the aim of the car park was to ensure the grounds did not get overly crowded and that the cost of parking would be kept to a minimum: “We want people to enjoy it as the quiet place it is,” he said.

"That is a balance we have to strike on how many people we let in.”

The parking charge would primarily cover the cost of building and maintaining the car park: "The idea is that we will use the charge to recoup the capital cost over time and maintain it going forward,” said Calum.

"Providing a car park is a cost to the estate and we have just got to cover that cost.”

The next stage of the Lambton development will see the creation of a new retail complex and additional business space.

It is hoped the Bowes Gate complex will be ‘a vibrant community hub, connecting residents and visitors with local businesses’.

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