Durham shopping centre to be converted into hotel and student flats

Work to transform the Prince Bishops Shopping Centre in Durham City will go ahead after a proposal was approved by Durham County Council’s planning committee on Wednesday.

Part of the existing shopping centre will be demolished to make way for new commercial units and public spaces. 

Applicant Citrus Durham Ltd said the redevelopment would cater to modern-day shopping habits and repurpose vacant units. 

How the new development could look

It is hoped the new 101-room hotel will attract tourists to stay longer in Durham City, the meeting heard. 

“This is one of the most significant developments in the life of our city,” said John Ashby, a City of Durham parish councillor. 

“We recognise the current operating model is both unsustainable and no longer financially viable. However, we strongly believe that any truly mixed-use replacement, as well as securing the student accommodation investment, must also deliver wider benefits to the city.”

Up to 408 new student bed spaces will be created as part of the plans, and residents hope it will alleviate the problems of students living in HMOs throughout the city. 

However, the parish council warned of the disruption the redevelopment will cause to businesses and residents. Mr Ashby added: “The application contains the potential to enhance our city in the longer term, but it carries real dangers and misconceptions.”

The main changes to the shopping centre will occur above the multi-storey car park at level five.  Prince Bishops will be largely closed to the public for two years. The car park will be kept open during the majority of the construction work. 

Objectors to the scheme also noted how the proposal would “transform Durham City into a student campus and only cater for this transient population.”

Part of the existing shopping centre will be demolished to make way for new commercial units and public spaces.

Cllr David Freeman, of Elvet and Gilesgate ward, said: “Many residents I speak to are very unhappy about the proposal, but the retail world has changed and many retailers are not coming back to the city, unfortunately. I accept that the shopping centre must change for it to be acceptable and as such an asset to the city.”

He added that the redevelopment of the site will provide a “less-confused” appearance to visitors.

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Citrus Durham Ltd said the redevelopment would “reconfigure the High Street to better suit the needs of national and independent retailers and leisure operators, whilst broadening the mix of uses across the scheme”. 

How the Prince Bishops shopping centre looks today

Meanwhile, Durham County Council’s planning department said the development benefits outweigh the harms and impacts can be mitigated. 

In voting to approve the application, cllr Kevin Shaw said it was an “excellent development proposal” that will boost tourism and investment in Durham City.