Developers are holding a second public consultation for plans that would re-develop a popular shopping centre and build a hotel as well as new student accommodation.

The public has been invited by Lichfield to the latest consultation on a £60million development of the Prince Bishops Shopping Centre in Durham City, taking place on August 9.

Residents are invited to Unit 4 at Prince Bishops Place from noon to 6pm on Wednesday to have their say on the development after 150 people attended the first meeting in July.

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Plans for the site currently detail a 130-bedroom hotel and ambitions for 6,500 square metres of retail units that organisers say will entice independent retailers to the site and create an estimated 195 jobs.

The upper floors of the centre would then be turned into student accommodation to ease the pressure off other areas around the city that are heavily populated with students.

James Taylor, regional director for real estate developer Citrus Group has urged members of the public to come along and have the chance to comment on proposals.

He said: “We would like to thank those who attended the first drop-in event, which was well attended and have already shared their views via the consultation.

“There is now a further opportunity for people to comment on proposals and we would encourage anyone with an interest to attend the event.”

Organisers say at the first event there was significant interest in the student accommodation proposed at the site but have assured the public that there is “much more” to the scheme than just that.

Robert Dibden, planning director at Lichfields Newcastle office has claimed the development will “enliven” the Prince Bishops and the wider city centre.

“The Citrus scheme is focussed on re-working an increasingly unviable shopping centre and introducing a genuine mix of uses which bring the centre back to life.

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“In particular, the proposed hotel and the introduction of new more flexible floorplates at ground floor – aimed at independent retailers and the leisure sector – will bring a range of new uses and attractions into the centre which will enliven both the Prince Bishops scheme and the wider city centre, strengthening its overall vitality and viability”.

He added: “This is an exciting regeneration project that will deliver new opportunities, jobs and economic prosperity. It would herald the transformation of retail in the city centre, so we are keen to hear the views of as many local people and stakeholders as possible before final plans are submitted.”

Final plans will be submitted to the council in late 2023.