Enhancing the vibrancy of County Durham’s high streets and bringing empty properties back into use are key aims of Durham County Council’s Towns and Villages programme. Cllr Elizabeth Scott, Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, outlines how this commitment to increasing footfall in town centres is having a hugely positive impact on Silver Street, in Durham City.

The historic street is a vital part of both the city’s economy and its visitor experience. After County Durham made the shortlist of UK City of Culture 2025 earlier this year, the council is determined to further raise the county’s profile as a tourist destination and as a great place to live, work, visit and invest.

“County Durham has so much to offer,” explains Cllr Scott. “We are determined to help businesses to thrive and realise our ambition to revitalise and regenerate the county and I’m delighted to see these plans already coming to fruition.”

The Northern Echo: Many new businesses have opened on Silver Street in the last year. Many new businesses have opened on Silver Street in the last year. (Image: Graham Soult)

Read more: How Durham's Silver Street has changed following Covid pandemic

Despite challenges caused by both the coronavirus pandemic and the rising cost of living in the retail and hospitality sector, the council continues to offer a range of support. “It’s about being proactive in offering advice and assistance when it is appropriate to ensure our businesses can adapt and continue to be a part of the wonderful visitor experience offered in Durham,” says Cllr Scott.

“We have a number of initiatives to support this. Our Business Improvement Scheme assists ventures to move into new premises and helps to bring derelict retail spaces back into use. We’re also supporting the reuse of commercial buildings as well as offering training and recruitment support to businesses.”

The council is also working closely with Durham BID, Durham Markets and the City of Durham Parish Council to create a positive impact in the city centre, with this hard work already paying off. Several exciting new shops and restaurants have been attracted to Durham and more plan to open soon.

The Northern Echo: Cllr Elizabeth ScottCllr Elizabeth Scott (Image: Durham County Council)

Read more: Silver Street, Durham: ‘The death of the high street has been exaggerated’

Silver Street is now home to sushi restaurant Kokoro, Mexican restaurant Tortilla, health food store Grape Tree Foods, Vodafone and Durham Ginstitute. The restaurant Coarse has opened on Reform Place, North Road, offering visitors a tasting menu, while a range of new, independent traders have also set up stores across the city centre, with more planning to open soon.

Recently, there has been another boost for both Durham and Bishop Auckland. Just last month, plans were submitted to convert the former Marks and Spencer store on Silver Street, and a property on Newgate Street in Bishop Auckland, into STACK food and entertainment venues.

“This is a significant boost for the county and is a further indication of new investment being attracted into the city,” said Cllr Scott. “As well as offering residents and visitors a combination of food and leisure, we anticipate the venue will create around 180 jobs in Durham and around 120 in Bishop Auckland, providing a further boost to our local economy.”

Read next:

If you want to read more great stories, why not subscribe to your Northern Echo for as little as £1.25 a week. Click here

If you want to read more great stories, why not subscribe to The Northern Echo for as little as £1.25 a week. Click here.

Diversifying the offer on high streets such as Silver Street, through the offer of exciting venues such as STACK, is the key to regenerating the county according to Cllr Scott. “The arrival of a range of leisure, food and retail venues is already helping us to attract visitors from far and wide and really shine a light on what we have to offer in County Durham. It’s fantastic to see the city centre bustling once again and becoming so vibrant.”

Alongside a commitment to improving transport links into Durham through the creation of a new bus station in Durham City, the council continues to plan for next year’s festivals and events, such as Lumiere, Durham BRASS and Durham Book Festival, which attract thousands of visitors to the city and provide a boost to local businesses.

Cllr Scott is certain that with this ongoing regeneration work and cultural offer, the county’s high streets will continue to offer something for everyone. “Silver Street has a rich history but our plans are ensuring it remains a key part of Durham’s future.”