Durham City Centre Building to Receive Temporary Facelift Ahead of Entertainment Venue Redevelopment

Efforts to enhance the appearance of a notable city centre structure, slated for transformation into an entertainment complex, have been met with approval after previous worries about its deteriorating state, described as a “blight”. The property, previously occupied by Yorkshire Trading Company on Silver Street in Durham, is scheduled for conversion into a Stack establishment. This will encompass food and beverage outlets, alongside areas for live music and comedy performances, with an anticipated opening in the coming year. Durham County Council has committed to improving the current shopfront’s condition, responding to complaints regarding its state. The council stated that boards displaying images of Durham will be installed later this month, coinciding with the commencement of construction activities. Councillor Susan Walker, who chairs the City of Durham Parish Council, commented: “While the unit has rightly been secured for public safety for some time, the condition of the frontage in the interim has been a blight on the historic street scene of Silver Street.” She added: “We are sure that residents and nearby businesses will very much welcome this new temporary frontage ahead of work starting on-site in the coming months.” Andy Kerr, the head of economic development for the county council, indicated that the authority acknowledged “concerns” regarding the building’s aesthetic. He noted that personnel had been present at the site earlier in the week, prior to Remembrance Day commemorations, to remove posters from the windows. Additional efforts involved painting the existing boards covering the doorways a dark grey shade to harmonize with the adjacent colours. Kerr further stated: “These measures will be replaced with specially designed boards featuring photographs of Durham City later this month.” He continued: “The new boards, which are being funded by Stack, will remain in place until the development begins.” Kerr concluded: “We’ve agreed this approach with Durham BID (Business Improvement District) and the parish council and will continue to work with them and other partners to ensure Durham City thrives.” The Local Democracy Reporting Service reports that Stack is projected to generate over 170 employment opportunities. Construction at the location, which previously housed a Marks and Spencer store, is anticipated to commence at Easter. For updates, follow BBC Sunderland on X, Facebook, Nextdoor, and Instagram. Story submissions can be sent to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.