A ROYAL visitor has shared his passion for contemporary architecture by taking a tour of the £120m first phase of the Milburngate regeneration project in Durham City.

Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester, who is the Queen’s full cousin and 31st in line to the throne, stopped by on his visit to the region on Tuesday afternoon.

He was welcomed by Allan Cook, managing director of Arlington Real Estate, which is developing the six-acre living, working and leisure destination.

Mr Cook said: “We are truly honoured to welcome the Duke of Gloucester to see the great progress we are making during these challenging times. Maximising the economic and social benefits this fabulous riverside site will bring to both Durham City and the wider North East has taken some real architectural, construction and engineering skill.”

The duke, who practised as an architect, unveiled a commemoration stone to mark his visit.

Two weeks ago the site was the scene of a dramatic fire after a membrane in the boundary wall caught fire.

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