Construction at business park in city set to begin
CONSTRUCTION work is set to start on the first phase of a Durham City business park that could create 4,000 jobs.
Simon Henig, leader of Durham County Council, said the development would bring muchneeded jobs to the area as it recovers from the coronavirus pandemic.
The local authority submitted a “hybrid” planning application for the office use of plot “C” and an outline submission for the scheme’s first two phases, which have the potential to create 4,000 jobs worth up to £400m.
The plans were approved by councillors at the end of last year, with the construction of plot C now set to begin.
It will include the creation of 3,500sqm of flexible office space, within a three-storey building and 60 car parking spaces.
Standing on the site ahead of construction starting, Mr Henig said: “We are marking the start of work on the Aykley Head business park on this first plot which will be developed as a new office as part of the new development.
“Work will start last in March on this part of the development.
“The Aykley Heads business park aims to bring 4,000 jobs, £400m boost to the County Durham economy and it is great to be starting work on it. As I’ve said before, the jobs this development brings are needed more than ever. Coronavirus has been a real challenge but we know it has also caused a real economic shock and the recovery from coronavirus is going to be vital in the months and years ahead.”
It is estimated a further 1,800 jobs would be supported in the construction of the park.
The application follows the decision of the council’s cabinet in January 2018 to create a new headquarters to pave the way for its County Hall site and neighbouring land to be redeveloped as a business park.
Aykley Heads, north of the city centre, is already home to Atom Bank, Waterstons, the North East England Chamber of Commerce, Salvus House and other businesses.
The business park is proposed to provide up to 38,468sqm of floor space and to be divided into an initial two phases and six plots.
Each plot proposes office buildings and car parking spaces, while the site is close to the East Coast Main Line and other public transport, as well as cycling routes.
Mr Henig said they were optimistic at filling the office space and believed it was in a desirable location.
He said: “What we know is that the building next to us, Salvus House, filled up very quickly a year or two back because of the demand there is for good-quality office accommodation in this area.
“We know also from other companies that are based here, whether it is Atom around the coroner, North East Chamber around the corner, Waterstons and others, that there is a real demand here – I think because of the setting.
“You are in an urban environment close to Durham city centre, close to the railway station and major transport routes but also in a nice green setting as well.
“I think it is that combination that makes Aykley Heads a prime site for businesses and jobs.”
Durham University could potentially occupy some of the office space as it continues its growth and investment plan.
The institutes vice-chancellor, Professor Stuart Corbridge, said: “We have been investing heavily in the university with a huge capital programme but the main aim of the university is to become much more of a university within the city, much more development of our applied science and linking through to our new business school as well.
“We see the relationship with the city as one where we can grow a lot of the entrepreneurial activities of the university, both staff and students.
“I hope we will see some spin-outs in this area. It is a lovely green campus and attractive place to work. We hope some of the enterprises of the university will come up to this area in due course.
“We have a lot of expertise in geothermal energy, for example, and we do a lot of work on criminology and the police centre is nearby so they are obvious areas for the university, but wherever the university locates itself we have very close relationship with the county council.”
PROJECT COULD CREATE AS MANY AS 4,000 JOBS