Durham unsure on Milburngate
Despite having agreed to acquire the site back in February, the newly-elected Reform-led council has cast doubt over its involvement in the city centre mixed-use scheme.
The site of the former passport offices is located in the city centre and links it to the future Durham Innovation District.
The site has been plagued with delays. Formerly a joint venture between Arlington Real Estate and Richardson, it was supposed to open in 2022.
Initially designed to be 150 BTR apartments, offices, and hospitality including a Premier Inn, Everyman Cinema and BrewDog, the main contractor Tolent went into administration in 2023.
The site has remained cordoned off since then.
It has since been estimated that acquiring the site and developing it out will cost around £55m, a cost that was approved in February and has been accounted for in the council’s upcoming joint administration budget for 2025/26 and a Medium Term Financial Plan until 2028/29 .
When approached for comment, Paul Darby, Durham County Council’s corporate director of resources, said: “Following a review of the council’s position by the new political administration following the local elections in May, officers have held discussions with the funder of the Milburngate project.
“These discussions are continuing and will determine whether the council will be involved going forward.
“Any further updates will be given to relevant parties when it is appropriate to do so.”
