Durham shopping centre refurbishment heads to consultation
Plans for a £60m redevelopment of Prince Bishops Place in Durham have been revealed and are now heading towards a public consultation.
The site, which was opened in 1998, currently has a high vacancy rate and little interest from large retailers. However, Citrus Group is now looking to transform the centre into a thriving retail hub.
The proposals include the creation of a number of smaller retail units for independent operators, while a 130-bed hotel, leisure attractions, and public events spaces would also be constructed.
The centre’s larger upper floors would be repurposed to create around 300 units of student accommodation, while the 400-space multi-storey car park is set to remain in place.
Planning company Lichfields has now brought the project to a public consultation, with residents able to voice their views until August 16.
Robert Dibden, associate director at Lichfields Newcastle office, said: “This is an exciting regeneration project that will deliver new opportunities, jobs and economic prosperity. It would herald the transformation of an important part of Durham City Centre; so we are extremely keen to hear the views of as many local people and stakeholders as possible before final plans are submitted.”