A NEW restaurant will be opening as one of the final parts of a scheme to rejuvenate part of Durham’s riverbank.

The Kiosk, a newly built block next to Freemans Reach in Durham City, was granted a licence by Durham County Council at a hearing yesterday.

The restaurant and bar is part of the £27 million project to build 68,000 sq ft of office space on the former Durham Wasps ice rink site, by the River Wear

It will be run by Salmon Bars Ltd, which already runs the City Hotel in Durham and the Castle Eden Inn, near Peterlee.

It plans to serve breakfasts and coffee from 7.30am and snacks and more substantial meals during the day and evening and is expected to open later this month.

Sarah Smith, the company’s solicitor, said: “It’s a family company that has been operating for some time. They have a good quality offering and are an excellent local operator.”

Durham Police had initially objected to the licence but PCSO Martin Haigh told the council’s licensing committee that discussions had taken place with the company and they had come to an agreement over conditions.

The new restaurant will have space for 34 people inside and has a terrace for outside dining and drinking.

Freemans Reach is the new home for National Savings and Investments [NS&I] and HM Passport Office, which has moved from Milburngate House on the other side of the river.

Cllr Neil Foster, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economic regeneration and culture, said: “Freemans Reach has already completely rejuvenated a major part of the riverside as well as meaning vital jobs have been kept in Durham City. With even more improvements to come on the other side of the river, we’re delighted to welcome Salmon Bars Ltd to what we’re sure will be a hugely successful and totally transformed area of the city.”