The Chronicle (South Tyneside and Durham)
Big effort set to save cafe
PLANS FOR 154 BEDROOMS
IN DURHAM’S £27M SCHEME
DURHAM County Cricket Club has put forward plans for a new 154-bed hotel as part of its grand expansion scheme to create a “major sporting destination”.
The £27m project is expected to create up to 120 jobs and boost the region’s tourism industry.
A new permanent two-tier seating block is also proposed, replacing the existing seating at the Lumley End of the Chester-le-street ground.
Up to half of the rooms at the Riverside Hotel will have views of the cricket pitch, offering a “unique match day and concert venue experience”.
The club is drawing inspiration from similar hotel complexes at Old
Trafford, Manchester, and Rose Bowl, Hampshire.
A planning statement read: “The hotel will provide a landmark gateway for the club’s continual development as a major sporting destination along with permanent two-tier seating which together will form the complete stadium enclosure.
“This development will allow Durham County Cricket Club to compete with other major venues around the UK where branded stadium hotels are underpinning and enhancing the sporting, leisure and business offers available. The new hotel responds to the shortage of hotel accommodation in the area and will provide new jobs.
“The club wishes to construct a high quality building that will set a new standard in the area and kick start further investment and regeneration.”
In total, the proposal will provide 154 bedrooms and an additional 983 spectator seats.
It includes 85 car parking spaces and a “futuristic pavilion” and is set to be reviewed by Durham County Council later this year.
THOUSANDS of pounds have been raised to save a South Shields cafe employing people with autism and learning disabilities from closure after it was hit by a £20,000 energy bill.
Sea Change Cafe and Arts Venue on Ocean Road feared it would have to shut down after it received a backdated bill amounting to £20,675 from its energy supplier last month.
Owner Sarah Farrell-forster said a crowdfunding page appealing for donations to cover the cost of the bill has now raised more than £17,000 which means the cafe will now be able to stay open.
“It has been unbelievable,” Sarah said.