New app to give visitors history, stories and sites of Seaham

The smartphone package will allow users to explore the heritage of the town in an engaging and interactive way by offering different trails to follow around the town, say the team behind the project.

It will tell the story of buildings and sites of interest in Seaham and their role in the development of the town and also provide the opportunity to promote activities and events taking place in the town.

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Durham County Council have commissioned heritage app specialists At Creative to produce a the app, which is aimed at encouraging locals and visitors alike to explore the history and heritage of Seaham.

It is being developed as part of the Seaham Townscape Heritage Project, a £1.6million scheme – supported by funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund – which aims to enhance the town’s historic centre.

The project team is now working alongside local residents and representatives from local history organisation to develop the app content.

The app will be free for both Android and Apple devices and will be launched later this year.

Cllr Kevin Shaw, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for strategic housing and assets, said “Encouraging an understanding and appreciation for Seaham’s built heritage, right from a young age, is one of the key aims of the Townscape Heritage Project — these are hugely important factors in the long-term success of conservation of our townscapes.

“Our hope is that local people and visitors will embrace the app and make use of it to access stories and information about our unique town.”

Seaham has been increasingly been becoming a draw for visitors over the past decades, with new projects and installations adding to its already stunning beaches, seafront and coastal trails.

The much-loved ‘Tommy’ sculpture draws in visitors from far and wide, and the Seaham Marina development, and a proliferation of popular cafes and other food and drink businesses are also a big hit.

For more information visit https://www.durham.gov.uk/seahamtownscape

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