£14m retail development under review for disused Durham site

Plans have been unveiled for a new £14m retail development in Durham.

Developer Premcor Estates Ltd wants to hear local people’s views on the proposals to redevelop the Elddis Transport site, near Pit Lane. The project will be constructed on the site of the underused transport depot in the city.

Around 100 new jobs could be created if proposals were met for three new retail outlets: a discount foodstore and two drive-thru restaurant and coffee shops.

Premcor has appointed Lichfields, national planning and development consultants, to handle the planning application.

Lichfields’ senior planner, Daniel Gregg, said: “The various retail and leisure proposals could help to create almost 100 new full-time positions.

“Occupiers are yet to be confirmed for the proposed retail and food and beverage units, but we expect them to be new arrivals to this side of Durham city.

“The developers are keen to hear the views of the people living and working nearby on the proposals, and we hope the consultation event will help achieve that.”

The site is said to be no longer suitable for the requirements of Consett-based Elddis Transport, which has six other locations in the region and employs over 320 people.

Daniel added that the existing warehousing to the rear of the site is not sustainable and is unlikely to attract interest from other potential occupiers, due to its low eaves.

The developers are proposing an improvement to the access for pedestrians and vehicles, with around 270 parking spaces and additional landscaping.