PLEASURE craft are to remain afloat in a cathedral city despite plans to demolish its landmark boathouse.

For decades, a feature of a day-trip to Durham has been the chance to take a leisurely trip down the River Wear in a rowing boat.

More recently, the Prince Bishop cruiser has been an addition to the riverscape, offering daytime trips around the cathedral and castle peninsula during summer months, and hosting private parties during the evenings.

But speculation arose over the future of the craft, and associated boat-building business, following the decision to approve demolition of Brown's Boathouse, synonymous with Durham's rowing heritage.

The boathouse is making way for a £3m glass-fronted nightspot, which won approval after a planning inquiry, despite widespread local opposition.

River cruiser manager Jamie Robson said despite the loss of the Georgian-built boathouse, Prince Bishop River Trips would continue operating on the Wear, in Durham.

New premises have been found not far from the boathouse site, alongside Elvet Bridge, in the basement of the nearby Prince Bishops multi-storey car park.

"Since the decision was made over the boathouse, lots of people have come up to me asking about the future of the rowing boats and the Prince Bishop," said Mr Robson.

"But, I can assure everyone that we're not going away. We've got 35 rowing boats and the river cruiser, and they'll be operating as normal from the same area of the riverbanks. The boathouse decision was a property deal which we could do nothing about, but we're only moving around the corner."

Mr Robson said the business would move from the boathouse on Friday.

The river cruiser season would remain unaffected, starting on Good Friday, April 13, and operating daily from May to September.