Shopping centre plans approved as city set to be transformed

The approved plans to revitalise a city shopping centre, which include the construction of a new hotel and student accommodation, are set to give a fresh look to Durham City.

Durham County Council’s planning committee gave the green light on Wednesday for the transformation of the Prince Bishops Shopping Centre. Key sections of the existing shopping facility will be demolished to pave the way for modern commercial spaces and welcoming public areas.

Citrus Durham Ltd, behind the application, envisions the renovation as a response to the evolving nature of consumer practices and a means to rejuvenate empty storefronts. Enthusiasm was expressed during the meeting over the prospect that the planned 101-room hotel would draw visitors and encourage them to extend their stays in Durham City.

John Ashby, a parish councillor for the City of Durham, underlined the project’s importance: “This is one of the most significant developments in the life of our city.”

“We recognise the current operating model is both unsustainable and no longer financially viable. However, we strongly believe that any truly mixed-use replacement, as well as securing the student accommodation investment, must also deliver wider benefits to the city.”

Up to 408 new student bed spaces will be created as part of the plans, and residents hope it will alleviate the problems of students living in HMOs throughout the city.

However, the parish council warned of the disruption the redevelopment will cause to businesses and residents. Mr Ashby added: “The application contains the potential to enhance our city in the longer term, but it carries real dangers and misconceptions.”

The main changes to the shopping centre will occur above the multi-storey car park at level five. Prince Bishops will be largely closed to the public for two years. The car park will be kept open during the majority of the construction work.

Objectors to the scheme also noted how the proposal would “transform Durham City into a student campus and only cater for this transient population.”

Cllr David Freeman, of Elvet and Gilesgate ward, said: “Many residents I speak to are very unhappy about the proposal, but the retail world has changed and many retailers are not coming back to the city, unfortunately. I accept that the shopping centre must change for it to be acceptable and as such an asset to the city.”

He added that the redevelopment of the site will provide a “less-confused” appearance to visitors. Citrus Durham Ltd said the redevelopment would “reconfigure the High Street to better suit the needs of national and independent retailers and leisure operators, whilst broadening the mix of uses across the scheme”.

Meanwhile, Durham County Council’s planning department said the development benefits outweigh the harms and impacts can be mitigated. In voting to approve the application, Cllr Kevin Shaw said it was an “excellent development proposal” that will boost tourism and investment in Durham City.