Work is under way on the first phase of a landmark Durham City development which will create a raft of bars, restaurants, a luxury cinema and hotel.
Planning permission was granted for Phase One of the grand Milburngate scheme last year, covering 70% of the entire six-acre site, paving the way for contractor Tolent to start on around 54,000sqft of office space and 153 build-to-rent apartments.
Several leisure tenants have aready booked in for the first phase, including boutique cinema company Everyman, restaurant brands Marston’s Pitcher & Piano, Bar + Block, Miller and Carter and a 92-bed flagship Premier Inn hotel.
Following a ground breaking ceremony involving local school children, Tolent has now embarked on the project which will deliver a new frontage onto the riverside, plus public places with impressive views of the historic city.
Milburngate is being delivered in joint venture by Durham-based property business Arlington Real Estate and the Richardson family, who together have already successfully delivered a number of strategically important regeneration projects across the region, including Freemans Reach in Durham City centre.
The development is supported by a £120m forward-funding commitment from LaSalle Investment Management.
Allan Cook, managing director of Arlington Real Estate, said: “This is a major milestone in the regeneration of Durham’s riverside and future economic and social prosperity of the city. We are very proud to have broken ground at Milburngate and embark on a build programme that will create a regionally significant location that will attract people to Durham City, while creating and retaining important jobs.”
Ben Holmes, director on behalf of the Richardson family, said: “Milburngate is a game-changer for Durham and will be an important asset for the city and the wider North East for generations to come. Durham City is a very unique location, with immense historical significance, but with a tremendous forward-thinking attitude and we are delighted to support the area with the development of Milburngate.”
Durham County Council leader Simon Henig said: “We are committed to ensuring Durham is a great place to live, work and visit, with a thriving economy, good job opportunities and plenty of places for residents and visitors to relax and enjoy themselves.
“Milburngate is one of a number of key developments across the city, which includes the recently opened Riverwalk development, Durham University’s £1bn investment plans and the planned re-development of the Aykley Heads site, which will significantly boost the city and wider county’s economy.”
Andy Mcleod, chief executive officer of Tolent, said: “The construction team are now on site and we are delighted to be starting this fantastic project.
“A project of this size and significance comes with a responsibility to deliver the highest quality of construction outputs but it also comes with a responsibility to support and work with the local community and ensure we leave a lasting legacy that everyone is proud of and one that hopefully inspires future generations.”
