Plans for new Durham retail park could create 100 jobs

Revised plans for a former food factory site in Durham City which could create almost 100 new jobs have been unveiled.

Angel Developments is asking the public to register their views on proposals for the former Kerry Foods site - previously known as the Dragonville Industrial Estate - which is now known as St Andrew’s Park.

National planning and development consultancy Lichfields is taking forward the proposals on its behalf, and has arranged a public consultation event for next week.

Daniel Gregg, Lichfields’ senior planner, said: “Whilst Durham is currently served by a range of non-food shops, the range of operators selling bulky goods is relatively limited.

“These types of retail units cannot realistically be accommodated in Durham, due to existing physical and heritage constraints, and are ideal for a location such as this.

“The proposals would complete the redevelopment of this largely vacant site and generate spin-off trade for existing retail facilities nearby.”

The proposals include provisions for 5,135 sq ms, of non-food retail outlets earmarked for bulky goods operators such as DIY, furniture/furnishings, carpets and flooring.

They also include plans for a restaurant of around 536 sq ms, over two floors, with around 220 parking spaces, including 11 for the disabled.

The proposals include accesses from both McIntyre Way and Dragon Lane, and pedestrian linkages to both Dragon Lane/Sherburn Road District Centre and the nearby Durham City Retail Park.

The public exhibition is being held on Wednesday March 28, at Belmont Community Centre, Gilesgate Moor, Durham, between 3pm-7pm.

Lichfields say the development would generate approximately 95 full time jobs and help stimulate interest in the trade counter units already constructed on the site.

The Kerry Foods factory closed in July 2012 with the loss of about 350 jobs.

The building has subsequently been demolished.