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£30 million Durham City shopping centre redevelopment could create over 300 jobs

Plans have been unveiled to transform a Durham City shopping centre, featuring a multi-screen cinema, restaurants, cafes, student flats and a new parade of shops.

Clearbell, a private equity real estate fund management business, bought the 130,000 sq ft Gates Shopping Centre for £11.85 million earlier this year and the new owners have unveiled the new plans for the site.

They include a new shopping street with riverside promenade, a multi-screen cinema and restaurants, together with student accommodation on the upper floors.

The £30 million development will reportedly create 195 construction jobs during the building phase, as well as an estimated 120-plus extra jobs when up-and-running.

The developers are keen to hear the views of the public before submitting a planning application to Durham County Council.

An exhibition will be held in the central square within The Gates shopping centre between 12pm - 7pm on Friday 28 November and between 9.30am - 1.00pm on Saturday 29 November.

Partner at Clearbell, Nick Berry, told ITV: “We are very excited about the proposed improvements to The Gates.

“Durham has long been starved of a cinema and we think residents from the city and surrounding area deserve a better place to eat, shop and be entertained.

“The plans should unlock the potential of this unique setting and we are looking forward to hearing people’s feedback.”

Director and head of Newcastle’s NLP office, Jonathan Wallace said: “The proposed scheme will open up the Framwellgate Bridge entrance into a new external street with more shops.

“This street will connect with an elevated promenade, fronted by a range of new cafés, restaurants and multi-screen cinema, with student residential accommodation above.

“It will open currently inaccessible views across the River Wear towards the City, Castle and Cathedral World Heritage Site.”