Dysart was founded in 1985 by Caroline and Jack Fawcett, who both came from the region. They were both famed perfectionists and their dedication to good design and quality can be seen in the high standards that have become the hallmark of all Dysart's development projects.

The company first came to widespread public attention with the development of Newcastle Business Park and Armstrong Business Park in the late 1980s. These trend-setting developments were the first of their kind in the region, mixing high specification, low-rise buildings with carefully designed landscaping and car parking areas, together with the ability to adapt to new technologies.

Since then, Dysart has become the key partner in Project Genesis, the company that is regenerating the 700 acre former steelworks site in Consett, County Durham, as well as working on a number of other prestigious commercial property projects, including Dollar Bay in London's Docklands.