Factory Development

The need for manufacturing space and the demand for larger essential manufacturing tools has hindered business growth on the disjointed Stella Gill Industrial Estate site. This has led David Potter and Ambic to invest in the development of a new purpose-built factory site.

In February 2007 Ambic secured the purchase of a five-acre derelict greenfield site adjacent to the Stella Gill Industrial Estate in Pelton Fell, Chester-le-Street, County Durham. The sole intention of this purchase is the construction of one dedicated Ambic factory and business centre where manufacturing efficiency can be maximised and from where the business can continue to expand and cater for the growing demand for quality educational furniture.

In April 2007 planning permission was granted on the land for the construction of a 24,000 sq ft factory and business centre. Ambic are keen to develop and support sustainable environmental practices (Sustainable Environmental Practices) and are in the process of developing this innovative development.

Ambic recognise that the new factory will be located on a site adjacent to a pleasant residential and recreation area and wholeheartedly consider the views, aspirations and attitudes of their immediate neighbours. It is important to Ambic that the new business premises integrate into the life of Pelton Fell village with the least amount of disturbance to the area, the neighbourhood, and the flora and fauna. Ambic are keen to obtain the greatest benefits for the local area and some of its prime objectives are employment, prestige and enhancing the existing environment.

Factory Site History

Though the land is listed as greenfield from early maps it was in a bad state of repair. Over its life much of the topsoil had been removed and clay, mud and stones prevail as the surface. There was some sparse scrub vegetation (gorse, brambles, etc) present on the land around the sites of land disturbance and undulation.

The old hedgerow to the western edge of the land (alongside the public footpath) was extremely overgrown and neglected. The footpath's surface was greatly disturbed and muddy. It was especially dangerous during winter months and overgrown with brambles, nettles and thistles during the summer months.

The land had a significant slope (falling 10m) across its surface and spoil heaps and fly tippers rubbish deposits going back years. There was much evidence that the site had been repeatedly used for the burning of waste and the whole site surface had been ‘broken up' with the repeated use by 4x4 vehicles, motorbikes and ‘after hours' illegal tippers. In October 2005 the land was decontaminate and in the process over 3,000 scrap tyres were removed!

Ambic immediately set out to reclaim the site. In October 2007 they implemented a programme of corrective work to repair the damaged community areas and to protect the site. They cut back the overgrown vegetation then landscaped and surfaced the extensive public footpath. The installation of new kissing-gates along the length of the path was a deterrent to illegal motor vehicles and for the benefit of the local community.

In December 2007 Ambic secured the safety of the land with the erection of a perimeter fence; a fence that will, in time, be internally planted with native blackthorn tree species to form a natural habitat for indigenous bird and wildlife.

An extensive programme of planting and landscaping will convert this once derelict site into a modern, environmentally friendly factory unit that seamlessly blends into the surrounding land and community.

The first sod of the new factory development was cut on the eight September 2008 by David and Wendy Potter, Denise Corrigan (Durham County Council Procurement Officer) and Chester-le-Street District Council Chief Executive Roy Templeman. This date marked the start of the work on the new factory development.

On the fifteenth September 2008 the land was handed over to the building company and they made their first excavations. By the 29th October the foundations and drainage work was complete and the steel framework of the factory could be erected.