New Contractor sought for major Durham scheme

Durham County Council has agreed an application allowing for the creation of a brand-new living, working and leisure destination in the heart of the city.

The permission enables the joint venture of Arlington Real Estate and the Richardson family to deliver the first phase of development at Milburngate which, on completion, will provide a range of leisure facilities, bars and restaurants, high quality offices and luxury apartments.

The joint venture is currently engaged in a pre-qualification process with potential construction partners and following the completion of this in the coming weeks, an invitation to submit tenders from shortlisted contractors will be issued.

Milburngate has attracted a range of premium occupiers including the Everyman boutique cinema, Pitcher & Piano and the new concept steak restaurant Bar + Block.

These high-profile brands will be joined by a 92-bed Premier Inn hotel; a detailed planning application for which will be submitted separately to Durham County Council.

This landmark development in Durham will create a regionally-significant destination and lead to the creation of more than 1,000 new jobs, as well as enhancing the leisure, business and residential opportunities in the area.

Arlington Real Estate Managing Director Allan Cook said: “Milburngate will bring a range of cultural, social and economic benefits and we are delighted Durham County Council share in our vision with the granting of our application.

“The delivery of this transformational project will have a positive impact that reaches beyond the City’s boundaries and will help attract people to Durham from across the North East and further afield.”