May 2, 2025

Project Update Spring 2025 – From Paul Balmont, Programme Development Manager, Ouse Burn Way

It’s hard not to be enthused and excited by the Vision set out for the Ouse Burn Way!

The Ouse Burn Valley is a pretty special place, and I feel privileged to be stepping into the role of Programme Development Manager at such a pivotal time.

Over the past few months, I’ve been getting up to speed with the range of projects and ambitions already underway, and I’m now focused on bringing them together into a coherent programme that can deliver real and lasting change for the valley. That includes developing an Investment Plan, securing financial resources, and managing the delivery of projects on the ground.

Crucially, this work is not happening in isolation. I’m already engaging with many people and organisations who care deeply about the river, the nature, and the communities whose lives are shaped by the valley. As the programme develops, I’ll continue to listen and collaborate with local residents, businesses, and partners to ensure your insights and ideas are at the heart of everything we do.

Before joining the Ouse Burn Way team, I spent 20 years as founder and Managing Director of Co-wheels Car Club, a social enterprise providing car-sharing services across the UK. I also previously worked as Head of Economic Development at Sedgefield Borough Council in County Durham. I’m now bringing that mix of strategic planning, community focus, and practical delivery into this role

There’s already a lot happening.

• Northumbrian Water is taking action to improve water quality by addressing two combined sewer overflows that discharge into the Ouse Burn, with the potential for a wider project focusing on the Letch, a key tributary.
• We’re also mapping the river catchment to identify where nature-based interventions, like wetland restoration or tree planting, can have the biggest impact on biodiversity and water quality.
• Early work is underway to identify a potential walking and cycling route that will eventually connect the whole Ouse Burn Valley, from the river mouth where it meets the Tyne, all the way to Weetslade Country Park in the north, Great Park in the west, and Longbenton in the east. This has huge potential to connect communities and encourage more people to enjoy and care for the natural environment.
• We’re also looking at buildings and spaces in the valley that have fallen into disrepair or are underused, to explore how they might be brought back to life for community benefit. At the same time, we’re identifying key natural sites that are vital to the valley’s ecological health and drawing up plans for how we can protect and enhance them.
• Behind the scenes, we’re pulling together data on the river, the environment, and local amenities to create a solid evidence base that will guide investment and help us measure progress over time.

There’s lots to do, and I can’t wait to see the positive impact we can make, together. If you’d like to share your ideas, get involved, or simply find out more about what’s happening, I’d love to hear from you. You can reach me at paul.balmont@newcastle.gov.uk