Initial plans for new Durham cocktail bar inside city centre

 <i>(Image: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)</i>
(Image: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)
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Initial plans to open a new cocktail bar inside a former city centre shop have been revealed. 

An application by Mockingbird Durham Ltd has been submitted to Durham County Council to convert the Silver Street site, formerly used by Body Shop before its closure in 2024. 

Planning documents submitted to the local authority propose a “small-scale premium cocktail lounge operating primarily through seated table service”. 

Redeveloping the vacant site would contribute positively to the city centre, the applicant added.

A planning heritage statement added: “The proposal has been designed to retain the character of the building and preserve the wider historic environment of Durham City Centre. 

“The application site is not a listed building; however, it lies within the Durham City Conservation Area and contributes positively to the character and appearance of the surrounding historic townscape.”

 


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No demolition is proposed, while any internal works would take place “sensitively”. 

The statement adds: “The proposal does not involve any substantial external alterations to the building and seeks to retain the existing character and appearance of the commercial frontage. Any future alterations or signage proposals would be designed sensitively with regard to the surrounding conservation area context.”

Durham County Council will consider the application in due course. 

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