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Regeneration of historic cathedral city set to begin

Funding of £3,400,000 towards the redevelopment of a run down area of Durham City has been approved by regional development agency One NorthEast. The money will allow Durham County Council to acquire strategically important property on North Road as part of longer-term regeneration of the area as part of the Durham City Vision project.

The Vision is a joint initiative by the City of Durham Council, Durham County Council and regional development agency One NorthEast, together with Durham Cathedral Chapter and Durham University. Its aim is to create a framework that ensures a ‘vibrant’ city centre economy, alongside the conservation of its heritage and character.

John Holmes, Director of Regeneration at One NorthEast and Chairman of the Durham City Vision Steering Board said: “Durham City is one of the most important visitor attractions in North East England but despite its many strengths, it also has identified weaknesses with a limited range of retail, leisure and cultural facilities as well as poor quality public spaces and limited employment opportunities – all areas which we aim to put right.”

A development brief is currently being prepared which envisages a development comprising a mix of retail, office, residential and leisure uses and potentially a budget hotel.

Deputy Leader for the City of Durham Council, Councillor Carol Woods said: “This redevelopment is long overdue and we are delighted that One NorthEast has seen this acquisition as a priority. It will make a big difference to the people who live and work in the City and of course is a huge step forward in achieving the Vision for Durham. This is an important start.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .