North East news…
Regional Development Agency One North East is to buy one of the most important regeneration sites in the region.
The Agency is hoping to complete soon the purchase of the eyesore former ice rink in Durham City Centre. It will be knocked down to make way for a major new commercially-led development which will anchor the transformation of the Riverside and Freeman’s Quay area.
The move will create a new block of around 14,000m2 office space, capable of accommodating an estimated 1,600 jobs and potentially creating a further 400 jobs.
The project is a key part of the Durham City Vision initiative, which is one of the principal regeneration initiatives in County Durham, and one of One North East’s strategic priorities for investment.
John Mowbray, Chair of Durham City Vision and Director of Corporate Affairs for Northumbrian Water said: “The acquisition of the ice rink by One North East secures another significant piece in the jigsaw which will see major developments to improve, not only the look of Durham City, but also its economy over the next few years. It will make it a better place to live, work and particularly, invest in.”
One North East will seek a developer to secure the regeneration of the area.
David Cramond, Director of Capital Development at One North East, said: “The former ice rink site presents a highly important and unique redevelopment opportunity in Durham. The ice rink building is widely accepted as an eyesore which dominates this length of the river, and is out of step with the adjacent modern Walkergate development, the award winning Freeman’s Place Leisure Centre and new hotel developments.
“It has taken a lot of hard work by One North East and all our partners in Durham City Vision to reach this stage. We are now confident that development can move forward quickly and will have a major long-term economic impact on the city.”
Durham City Vision is a partnership formed in 2004 to take forward the 2020 Masterplan for the city. Its members are Durham County Council, Durham University, Durham Cathedral, North East Chamber of Commerce and One North East.
James Ramsbotham, chief executive of the North East Chamber of Commerce, said: “Durham is a remarkable city with wide-ranging regeneration plans. This and subsequent projects will have a profound difference on its cultural, business and community offering. The ice rink has been in a state of disrepair for some time now so it is exciting to see that new life will be breathed in to it.”
