THE first phase of what could eventually be a £177m regeneration scheme has been officially opened.

Wearside House is a new office block, part of the £27m Freeman’s Reach scheme next to the River Wear in Durham City; and will be home to about 400 National Savings and Investments (NS&I) workers.

They are currently based across the Wear at Milburngate House, which could be demolished to make way for a flagship mixed use development in a project worth up to £150m.

The first phase of Wearside House was officially opened on Tuesday night (May 12).

Her Majesty’s Passport Office will relocate from Milburngate House into phase two next year.

Neil McMillan, development director of Carillion Developments, said: “We have a tremendous sense of pride in the completion and official opening of Wearside House.

“It is a catalyst for a long-term, sustainable future for Durham’s riverside, which not only complements but enhances the city’s ambitions to deliver an attractive environment for inward investment and growth.”

At the opening, Durham County Council leader Simon Henig spoke about Freeman’s Reach’s role in helping support the economy in County Durham and establishing Durham City as a major economic centre.