Former Durham council offices to be demolished

The five-storey building at Claypath, Durham, was previously used as local council offices but has been empty for several years. 

Built in the early 1960’s, it neighbours the city’s Millenium Place, which contains a wide range of leisure and community facilities including bars, restaurants, a bowling alley and library. It is also close to the Gala Theatre and Cinema. 

However, the building has long been deemed surplus to the requirements of the council and is beset by structural issues. It was constructed originally as office accommodation for the District Council at the time until it was vacated following local government reorganisation. 

The office block on Claypath, Durham (Image: Google)

It will now be demolished after council officers declared the retention and refurbishment of the building is not considered viable, practical, or desirable and is necessary in the interests of health and safety.

A planning report states the building is also outdated in terms of modern office standards, and its re-use impractical. It added that the building is not only of concern for health and safety reasons, but it is also posing a significant maintenance and insurance burden on the public purse. 

It is unlikely that a re-use could be found in the short term, and as such its demolition is the preferred option in advance of the site’s redevelopment. 

“The proposed demolition, whilst resulting in the loss of an office building within the town centre, will therefore not result in the diminution of the vitality or viability of the town centre or its function,” the report added. 

The demolition of the building is taking place concurrently while a development partner is found. 

It is believed, once cleared, the site has “clear development potential”. 

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Further details on the redevelopment proposals for the site are said to be imminent, with the planning report adding: “every effort is being made to ensure that there is minimal delay between demolition and redevelopment.”

The planning application was submitted by Durham County Council.

The report concluded: “The immediate demolition of the building will reduce public financial waste from maintaining, securing and insuring a building which is scheduled for demolition. This is at a time when economic pressure is significant both to local government and private individuals. That money will be better spent supporting local communities.”