The developers of a major homes, office and leisure site have apologised for delays after pub chain Brewdog said it has "little confidence" in opening a new bar this year.
In August last year, it was first announced that the craft beer chain would be moving into the Milburngate development in Durham, with stunning views of the historic city from a glass-fronted design and balcony.
Read more: Brewdog delay decision on Milburngate Durham site due to Tolent
Once opened, the 3,736 sq ft unit will include a large outdoor seating area with uninterrupted views of Durham Cathedral and Castle and along the city’s picturesque riverside.
However, almost a year on from the original announcement, the company has cited "no clear message" from the council or developers on what is happening.
The issues surrounding the site connect to Gateshead-based construction company Tolent, which went into administration earlier this year - leaving several high-profile projects in the balance, including Milburngate.
Developed by a joint venture between Arlington Real Estate and Richardson, Milburngate will feature 153 built-to-rent apartments and contemporary, flexible Grade A office space.
Brewdog would be right on the riverside (Image: Newsquest)
Meanwhile, the progress of Everyman cinema, which also agreed to join the Milburngate project, is unknown.
Providing an update to The Northern Echo, Brewdog blamed 'never-ending bureaucratic red tape'.
A spokesperson 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 completed venues to open to the public as soon as possible.
The Milburngate development (Image: Newsquest)
"While we believe there is a clear path forward, unfortunately, it looks to be held up in never-ending bureaucratic red tape which means we have little confidence the bar will open this year.
"If and when we get the green light, we can move quickly and be open within a month.”
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A spokesperson for joint developers Arlington Real Estate and Richardson said: “We have appointed a specialist Construction Management Team that is currently undertaking a detailed technical review of all contracted works to date, which will be used to establish a new timetable for completion.
"We do not intend to hand over the development until we are satisfied it has been completed to the highest quality and we regret that the delay is causing disruption to the plans of our occupiers.”
Amy Harhoff, Durham County Council’s corporate director of regeneration, economy and growth, said: “We continue to work closely with the development partner responsible for Milburngate to ensure this fantastic project is able to launch soon.
"We are hopeful that the technical review currently being undertaken by the developer will mean that dates can soon be finalised for opening.”
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