Drinks, music and food will be the order of events in two County Durham locations as the popular STACK has today revealed plans.

The hugely-successful container venue is set to open in Bishop Auckland and also Durham City after taking the region by storm several years ago. 

The distinctive leisure complex became famous in Newcastle as thousands flocked every single day for live events, music and street food.

Meanwhile, STACK opened a second site in Seaburn, near Sunderland, around two years ago with big names moving in including Downey's Fish and Chips.

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But revealing the plans for the first time today, STACK bosses said they are planning to convert the former M&S in Durham's Silver Street into a venue by winter 2023.

The Northern Echo:

It will have seven street food outlets, five bars, a coffee shop, a stage, communal seating and feature a roof top terrace.

And in Bishop Auckland's Newgate Street, a new-build over two floors with a retractable roof will offer up street food, three bars and a central plaza area with a stage for live events.

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Neill Winch, Chief Executive Officer of Danieli Group, which runs STACK Seaburn and founded STACK Newcastle, confirmed plans had been submitted.

He said: “Durham is a city with an international reputation for its tourist attractions and history and is home to one of the top universities in the country, bringing in students from around the world,.

“Also, Bishop Auckland is a town where we know we can contribute to local culture, jobs, enterprise, tourism and communities.

“We are in the business of transforming places, and we hope to be a catalyst for transformation in County Durham with a combined investment of more than £7 million.

“We believe STACK will be a huge asset in both locations and will also give independent businesses in the area the opportunity to be involved as well as supporting both the day time and night time economy.”

The Northern Echo:

In Durham, around 185 full and part-time jobs will be created and in Bishop Auckland, around 120 similar roles will exist.

Cllr Elizabeth Scott, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming STACK to both Durham and Bishop Auckland.

“These exciting venues complement our ambitious plans to regenerate the county and attract visitors from far and wide as we shine a spotlight on all that County Durham has to offer.

“It’s fantastic that both areas have attracted this significant investment. With the plans set to create hundreds of jobs, it will help to boost the local economy.

“Meanwhile, the creation of these unique spaces that offer residents and visitors a combination of food and leisure will also help to revitalise Durham and Bishop Auckland, ensuring they remain attractive to those who live, work in and visit the areas.”

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