Durham approves revised Prince Bishops Place plans
Landmark Properties has been given the go-ahead for revised plans for the redevelopment of the shopping centre, replacing a previously approved hotel element with additional student accommodation.
Former owners Citrus Group and Galliard Homes will continue to deliver the development, following the sale of the site to Landmark Properties, the largest developer of PBSA in the USA, exchanging contracts last month in a deal brokered by Newmark, Savills, and Harris & Associates.
Lichfields and Corstorphine & Wright have supported the development. The updated scheme follows planning consent granted in 2024 for the mixed-use overhaul of the shopping centre, which included partial demolition, new commercial units, a hotel, PBSA, public realm improvements, and a new public square.
Plans now seek full permission for redevelopment works including partial demolition of the shopping centre above mall level and the delivery of replacement commercial space alongside expanded PBSA accommodation.
The 3.1-acre site covers the entirety of Prince Bishops Place, the adjoining multi-storey car park and 2-5 Market Place, currently occupied by Boots. Existing uses include around 366,000 sq ft of commercial floorspace, a 401-space car park, office suites, and ancillary leisure and storage areas.
Under the revised plans, around 175,000 sq ft of existing commercial floorspace would be removed through demolition or change of use. The completed scheme will provide approximately 63,700 sq ft of commercial accommodation across 32 units ranging from 366 sq ft to 2,970 sq ft, focused at mall level and accessed from High Street.
The PBSA element has increased from 408 to 504 units following the removal of the hotel from the approved scheme. The accommodation would comprise 443 studios, 37 cluster flats and 24 accessible rooms, providing around 175,000 sq ft of floorspace across newly constructed and converted upper-level space.
The redevelopment would require the shopping centre to close to the public for around two years, although the multi-storey car park is expected to remain operational for most of the construction period.
Planning documents state the proposals are intended to respond to “a challenging, long-term market climate” by reconfiguring the High Street offer to better suit national and independent retailers and leisure operators while broadening the mix of uses across the scheme.
Tristram Taylor of Landmark Properties, said: “Securing our second UK planning approval at Prince Bishops Place marks a significant step for Landmark in this market.
“The scheme will reinvigorate a prominent site in the heart of Durham, combining high-quality student accommodation with retail, hospitality and public spaces while retaining the features valued by the local community. As long-term investors who develop and manage our own portfolio, our commitment to the city extends well beyond completion.”
James Taylor, regional director of Citrus Group, said: “Securing consent at planning committee is a huge milestone for this important regeneration project in the centre of Durham with our partners Landmark Properties firmly committed to delivering the development. We can now move forward with confidence and turn this scheme into reality and realise the benefits for the City.”
David Hirschfield, group managing director of Galliard Homes, said: “We are delighted to have secured the revised planning approval for Prince Bishops Place, which is a major milestone and vital step towards delivering a transformative mixed-use destination in the heart of Durham.
“This approval reflects the strength of the partnership between Landmark Properties, Citrus Group and Galliard Homes, as well as the collaborative and visionary approach taken with Durham City Council and local stakeholders throughout the planning process.
