The Milburngate development, which was scheduled to be open by the end of 2022 in the heart of Durham City, has run into several issues.
The Milburngate development in Durham City – BrewDog remains unable to open (Image: STUART BOULTON) In 2023, Gateshead-based construction company Tolent, who were the main contractors for the site, went into administration, while questions about ‘fire safety issues’ further delayed construction.
It was hoped that Milburngate, a joint venture of Arlington Real Estate and Richardson, would bring 153 built-to-rent apartments, and office space, alongside big names including BrewDog, Premier Inn and Everyman Cinema.
The Milburngate development in Durham City – Premier Inn is one of the businesses that hasn’t been able to open on the site (Image: STUART BOULTON) But progress on the site has remained slow – which has seen signage, furniture and marketing complete for the likes of BrewDog, Premier Inn and Everyman Cinema, despite no customers ever setting foot in any of the venues.
Despite the concerns, questions and ongoing delays, developers of the site insist that “constructive” talks are ongoing to resolve issues with the site.
They also highlighted their hope for the future regarding the Milburngate development.
Developers say that talks are ‘ongoing’ at the Milburngate development in Durham City (Image: STUART BOULTON) A spokesperson for the developer said: “Constructive dialogue is ongoing between the parties, with various options now under consideration to deliver a mutually beneficial resolution and enable us to finish this important and significant development for Durham.”
These comments from the developer come after Durham County Council, who don’t own or have responsibility for the site, revealed their hopes for the ‘vital site’ in September 2024.
While the local authority didn’t wish to comment further on the site, a spokesperson for the council said previously: “Milburngate is an important development and whilst the council does not own it, we are continuing to work with the funder and developer towards the safe opening of the site for the benefit of residents, our city, county and local economy, as soon as is possible.
The roundabout next to the Milburngate development (Image: STUART BOULTON) We have advised tenants we are working with the funder and developer and will update them as soon as possible.”
Images from the Milburngate site show fencing up to prevent members of the public from walking onto the development, while the signage for BrewDog, Premier Inn and Everyman is ready, but all three venues remain unopened.
Previously, BrewDog, whose bar sits empty on front of Milburngate, has expressed frustration at investing £1m into Milburngate and not being able to open – hitting out at the “never-ending bureaucratic red tape”.
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A spokesperson for the pub chain said: “We are very eager to bring BrewDog to Durham, but we still have no clear message from the council, or development management when the Milburngate location can open.
“We are actively calling on all parties to allow the venues to open to the public as soon as possible.
“While we believe there is a clear path forward in safely opening the completed areas of the site, unfortunately, it looks to be held up in never-ending bureaucratic red tape. If and when we get the green light, we can move quickly.”