Construction well underway on phase one of Durham's Milburngate site

Construction of the first phase of the landmark Milburngate development is underway in Durham City.

Recently appointed contractor Tolent has begun the project following an extensive two-year demolition and site remediation programme at the six-acre site.

Phase one of Milburngate involves the construction of 70 per cent of the entire Milburngate development, including various leisure operators including boutique cinema company Everyman, restaurant brands Bar + Block and Miller and Carter, as well as a 92-bed flagship Premier Inn hotel.

Alongside its leisure facilities, Milburngate will also incorporate 5,000 sq m of Grade A offices, creating capacity for more than 400 new jobs, and 153 built-to-rent apartments.

Allan Cook, managing director of Arlington Real Estate, said: “This is a major milestone in the regeneration of Durham’s riverside and future economic and social prosperity of the city.

“We are very proud to have broken ground at Milburngate and embark on a build programme that will create a regionally significant location that will attract people to Durham City, while creating and retaining important jobs.”

As part of the construction, Tolent will also deliver a new frontage onto the riverside and attractive public realm spaces with impressive views of the historic city.

Milburngate is being delivered in joint venture by Durham-based property business Arlington Real Estate and the Richardson family, who together have delivered many regeneration projects across the region, including Freemans Reach in Durham.

The development is supported by a £120m forward-funding commitment from LaSalle Investment Management, which is the first phase.

Cllr Simon Henig, leader of Durham County Council, added: “We are committed to ensuring Durham is a great place to live, work and visit, with a thriving economy, good job opportunities and plenty of places for residents and visitors to relax and enjoy themselves.

“Milburngate is one of a number of key developments across the city, which includes the recently opened Riverwalk development, Durham University’s £1bn investment plans and the planned re-development of the Aykley Heads site, which will significantly boost the city and wider county’s economy.”

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