The stalling of a multi-million-pound development in Durham City has caused a political row after an update on the site was issued. 

The major development, a joint venture of Arlington Real Estate and Richardson, was scheduled to feature 153 built-to-rent apartments, and office space, alongside several businesses including BrewDog, Premier Inn and Everyman Cinema. 

The progress of the Milburngate site has reached an 'impasse' after Gateshead-based construction company, Tolent, went into administration last year; leaving question marks over the future of the development. 

The Labour opposition on Durham County Council has accused the ruling coalition of presiding over a "botched" development. However, the council leader has hit back, saying responsibility for the site lies with the developer.

The Northern Echo: Milburngate in Durham CityMilburngate in Durham City (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

BrewDog, Premier Inn and Everyman Cinema venues have been built on the site, but with no opening date in sight for any of them - due to alleged complications with regulations.

Durham County Council has pointed out that they it is in control of the development and share the "disappointment" at the lack of progress in Durham City.

The council highlighted "the remediation of several fire safety issues" as one reason why the development can't progress, which the local authority says is the developer's responsibility.

Meanwhile, the developers have insisted that they want to move forward with the Milburngate development, with saying they want to "break the impasse" with the council.

The Northern Echo: Cllr Carl Marshall, who leads the Labour group at Durham County CouncilCllr Carl Marshall, who leads the Labour group at Durham County Council

While negotiations are ongoing for the site, the developers have said it will be "kept secure and maintained," as the future of the stalled site remains unclear.

In the wake of updates from both council and developers, a political divide on the issue has also begun between Labour councillors and the coalition party, who are in control of Durham County Council.

Councillor Carl Marshall, who leads the Labour group at the county council, has expressed his disappointment at the lack of progress and has called on the coalition that leads the county council to "deliver for the future of Durham City and the wider region".

He said: "This site was supposed to bring lots of jobs, some much-needed accommodation and office space to the city - but it hasn't been botched at every stage. 

"It's unacceptable that a scheme of this scale can be left by the wayside like it has. 

"The coalition needs to show leadership and get everyone round the table to get Milburngate sorted, it's vital that this happens and it must be delivered."

The Northern Echo: Leader of the council, Cllr Amanda HopgoodLeader of the council, Cllr Amanda Hopgood (Image: Contributor)

But the leader of the council, Cllr Amanda Hopgood has hit back at Cllr Marshall - saying that the coalition "won't write a blank taxpayers’ cheque with an unlimited liability".

Speaking on behalf of the Joint Administration of Durham County Council, she said: “The site is not Durham County Council’s.

Recommended reading:

Don't miss out on the latest news and stories. Subscribe to The Northern Echo for just £4 for 4 months.

"The project is not finished and neither the developer nor the funder have yet to provide a comprehensive and detailed programme showing how the scheme can get to the stage at which the council can accept practical completion and take on the lease.

“Cllr Marshall may be prepared to write a blank taxpayers’ cheque with an unlimited liability for the county council, but this administration will not do that.

"As has been clear all along, responsibility for completion of this development rests with the developer and not the council.”