The upcoming demolition of a prominent city centre building could pave the way for a new retail and leisure destination. 

That is just one of the potential future uses for the Claypath site mooted by Durham County Council. 

The five-storey building in Durham City was previously used as local council offices but has been empty for several years. 

Built in the early 1960’s, it neighbours the city’s Millennium Place, which contains a wide range of leisure and community facilities including bars, restaurants, a bowling alley and library. It is also close to the Gala Theatre and Cinema. 

The Northern Echo: The five-storey building in Durham City was previously used as local council offices but has been empty for several years. The five-storey building in Durham City was previously used as local council offices but has been empty for several years. (Image: Durham County Council)

However, the building has long been deemed surplus to the requirements of the council and is beset by structural issues. It was constructed originally as office accommodation for the District Council at the time until it was vacated following local government reorganisation. 

It will now be demolished after council officers declared the retention and refurbishment of the building is not considered viable, practical, or desirable and is necessary in the interests of health and safety.

The demolition of the building is taking place concurrently while a development partner is found. 

It is believed, once cleared, the site has “clear development potential”. 

Commercial property consultancy, Knight Frank, has now been appointed to seek out a developer to renovate the site. The local authority has appealed for a provider to deliver “an exemplar development which achieves high levels of sustainability and complements the site’s unique historic setting.”

Cllr James Rowlandson, cabinet member for resources, investment and assets, said: “We see this as a key opportunity for creating employment, economic and leisure benefits for the city and its people, and for County Durham as a whole.

“This is a very important development for the city and the chosen scheme will be required to complement the wider cultural offering, as well as add to the vibrancy of Millennium Place.”

The Northern Echo: It is believed, once cleared, the site has “clear development potential”. It is believed, once cleared, the site has “clear development potential”. (Image: Durham County Council)

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Other potential uses for the site include office space and a hotel. 

Patrick Matheson, of Knight Frank, added: “This is a rare proposition to develop a piece of Durham City that has a significant historic fabric and we’re expecting interest to be high.

“It’s a prominent location, well served by amenities, facilities and public transport including the train station which is a short walk away. Its proximity to Durham Market Place and Millennium Place means there is a sizable pedestrian footfall and quick access to key city centre attractions including the stunning Durham Cathedral and Castle.”