A SITE of a former civic centre is up for sale - prompting calls for the proceeds to be ploughed back into the community.

Durham County Council have announced that the former Chester-le-Street Civic Centre site is on the market.

Liberal Democrat councillor Craig Martin is pushing for the council to reinvest money generated into expanding the amount space for community groups.

He said: “The sale of this site demonstrates another nail in the coffin for the Chester-le-Street district.

“This land is for the people of Chester-le-Street and the proceeds cannot be allowed to line Durham County Council’s large bank balances.”

He added: “I’m demanding that this money be reinvested in our town and directly support community buildings, which would benefit all residents.

“I can think of no better use for the former building that represented our community to make one last contribution to Chester-le-Street.”

Cllr Martin said community groups had approached him saying there are not enough community buildings. From people running youth groups to art projects, many not-for- profit organisations fight for the limited space available, he added.

Cllr Martin has also called for access to be maintained between Newcastle Road and Picktree Terrace.

Chester-le-Street’s award winning Civic Centre was demolished in 2014.

The pioneering metal and glass structure was built by the now-defunct Chester-le-Street District Council in the 1980s.

After the district council’s demise in 2008 it continued as a venue for some Durham County Council meetings and housed several members of staff.

No application has been submitted to redevelop the site but planning blueprints have identified it for housing.

Gerard Darby, Durham County Council’s asset services manager, said: “The site has been vacant since the demolition of the civic centre in 2014 and all the indications are that now is a good time to market the site and make sure we get the right development for Chester-le-Street.

“As with the sale of any council land and property, the proceeds will be used to support major projects in the town and the rest of the county based upon overarching council priorities.

“We know how important community facilities are in all of our towns and we continue to work with local groups and associations to identify investment that benefits our residents.”