Plans seek to transform “failing” Durham Prince Bishops Place into “vibrant” hub

Developers are pressing ahead with plans to revamp a “failing” city shopping mall into a “vibrant” leisure and residential hub.

Citrus Group and Galliard Homes have submitted a blueprint to redevelop Durham’s Prince Bishops Place shopping centre.

Bosses say it would create a “landmark development” of shops, a hotel, student housing and a public square, deliver around 175 full-time jobs across retail, hospitality and supply chain posts and add nearly £7 million GVA to the city.

A decision on the plans is expected in the summer.

Hailing their potential, James Taylor, regional director at Citrus Group – whose portfolio includes the Integra 61 business park and residential scheme, based off the A1, near Bowburn – said: “This will be a real positive for the city.

“We look forward to continuing the journey through the planning process, and seeing it come to fruition.”

David Hirschfield, Galliard Homes director, said: “We are delighted to partner with Citrus Group and make our first investment in Durham.

“The North East has always been a region very much on our radar, due to its forward-thinking council and superb workforce.

“We are excited to be part of the Prince Bishops Place transformation from a mostly vacant shopping centre to a best-in-class, mixed-use scheme.”

According to the plans, new walkways and seating will be installed to provide riverside views, with the proposed square earmarked for public events.

Robert Dibden, Lichfields planning director, added: “By re-purposing an existing, failing shopping centre, this scheme offers a great opportunity to strengthen the vitality and viability of the city centre… and put Prince Bishops Place on a viable financial footing, safeguarding its future.”

• Pictured, at top of page, an artist’s impression of the finished development