Durham Riverside Renewal

The landmark regeneration of Durham’s former passport office has reached a significant milestone with the removal of the site’s largest tower crane. At over 53m tall, the Saex S-65 crane is three times taller than the Angel of the North and has been an impressive sight on the Durham City skyline since its installation in February 2020.

The crane has played a pivotal role in the construction phase supporting the distribution of materials across the six-acre site in, what the project management team have described as, a game of logistical chess.

The removal operation spanned a five-day period to remove the crane requiring careful coordination with Met Office weather warnings with Storm Dudley and Eunice threatening to wreak havoc across the region.

Due for completion in second quarter2022, Milburngate Phase 1 will provide 153 built-to-rent apartments, boutique cinema, a 93-bed flagship Premier Inn Hotel along with premium bars and restaurants such as Bar + Block and 53,701sq ft. of much-needed Grade A office space within One Milburngate, which will help attract up to 400 jobs to the centre of Durham City.

Construction works are being managed by Gateshead-based contractor Tolent who have been responsible for some of the region’s most famous landmarks.

Michael Rutherford, Contracts Manager for Tolent, said: “Following the removal of the tower crane, the area has taken a significant step forward and is beginning to transform from a construction site into the landmark destination that it will soon become. Whilst externally the site is well developed with all blocks now at full height and external facades almost complete; internal works are progressing at pace to ensure all buildings are ready for occupants and the wider public in.

“The finished product will be a celebration of the skills and experience we have in the region and a demonstration of the ability of local companies to deliver large regeneration projects without reliance on national corporations. The outcome provides a direct benefit to the region, driving local investment and social value through all tiers of the supply chain.”

Milburngate is being developed by a joint venture partnership between Arlington Real Estate and Richardson, supported by a £120 million forward funding commitment from LaSalle Investment Management.

Allan Cook, Managing Director of Arlington Real Estate, said: “The removal of the tower crane brings the transformation of Durham’s riverside a step closer. Phase 1 of Milburngate will enhance Durham’s economic, social and cultural ambitions helping to attract premium occupiers, businesses, new residents and visitors to our area. This is an exciting time as we near the completion of this landmark destination and embark on the development of phase 2, which will bring more value to investment to Durham.” 

ENDS

NEWS RELEASE: ISSUED ON BEHALF OF DURHAM RIVERSIDE

For further information contact Jamie Collis 01325 363436

Photo caption: L-R: Paul Salkeld, Tolent project manager with Allan Cook of Arlington Real Estate

Editors’ Notes:

Durham Riverside Renewal

The development consortium consists of Arlington Real Estate and Richardson.

The project includes the regeneration of Freemans Reach and the redevelopment of Milburngate House, which are on adjacent banks of the River Wear in the heart of Durham City.

According to the Sunday Times’ ‘Best Places to Live’:

“Durham is a lovely place to live. Beneath its glorious cathedral, you’ll find pretty cobbled streets stuffed with little independent shops and great watering holes, a beautiful river that carves its way through dramatic walls of rock and greenery, and some attractive house stock – along with a thriving buy-to-let market, thanks to all those students. One of the nicest places to live is South Street, which looks directly onto the cathedral and castle, and which inspired Sir Walter Scott. Many of its terraced houses are grade II listed; prices range from £400,000 to more than £1m.”

About Arlington Real Estate

Arlington Real Estate is also delivering another flagship County Durham development, DurhamGate. Located five miles south of Durham City, DurhamGate is on the site of Black & Decker’s former UK headquarters and, at almost 100 acres, it is among the largest regeneration projects in the North East of England

About Richardson

Richardson is a multi-generation family business with over half a century of real estate experience in the UK and overseas. Working across all sectors, they have developed well in excess of seven million square feet of property. Recent projects include Nickel, junction 28 off the M1, a new spec build 261,000 sq ft warehouse, Western 105, Avonmouth, a new spec build 105,500 sq ft warehouse, Freemans Reach, a 110,000 sq ft office development in Durham, Lincoln Gateway, a £28m, 519 bed student accommodation scheme. More recently the family has continued to expand its operations by building an international growth capital portfolio across a range of sectors through a direct and co-investment programme.

About Tolent

Tolent started out in 1983 as a small business, and has grown into one of the North East’s biggest construction companies, with regional bases across the North East and Yorkshire. Its values are traditional and simple: to look after its people, take pride in its work and get the job finished on time and on budget. From £5,000 projects to £90 million developments, Tolent's record speaks for itself. With over 70% of turnover secured through repeat business, it has successfully demonstrated its ability to build relationships based upon trust, reliability and mutual collaboration. Tolent's services extend beyond what is typically expected from a construction company, providing innovative solutions that help clients achieve their goals.