Durham MP Mary Foy has called on the company behind the forthcoming Durham Stack venue to clean up its city centre entrance, branding it a “stain” on the location.
Ms Foy publicly shared a letter addressed to the chief executive of Danieli Group, which has plans to convert the former Marks & Spencer shop on Silver Street into the latest of its food, drink and entertainment venues. In the letter, Ms Foy called on the firm to urgently address the shopfront which is currently partially boarded up and bearing peeling ‘closing down’ posters.
She said residents and visitors to Durham have contacted her about the state of the site, which “has been left to fall into such a state of disrepair” and that it is impacting perceptions of the city.
Read more: Why was the Angel of the North lit up last night? Music icon ‘takes over’ statue as crowds gather
Go here for more Durham city centre news
Danieli says it its working with city centre organisation Durham Business Improvement District on a project to improve the fascia of the former Marks & Spencer store, which has also been occupied by M&Co and Yorkshire Trading Company, as part of plans to spruce up the whole of Silver Street. The Newcastle-based business secured planning approval earlier this year with plans to regenerate the multi-storey property, introducing a coffee shop, bars, food kiosks and spaces for live events.
The ground floor will host eight food traders and a central seating ‘plaza’ area while the first floor will boast four more food outlets and two bars, with the second floor to become a games area. A rooftop bar is also proposed.
In her letter, Ms Foy said: “There are a number of incredible independent businesses on Silver Street, all of which do their best to maintain an attractive presence and uplift the feeling of civic pride in the street. Their efforts are currently in vain, as no matter how exquisitely decorated shopfronts are, shoppers walking up or down the cobbled street will eventually reach the Stack site which then changes their impression of the city.”
A statement from Neill Winch, CEO of Danieli Group, said: “We are mindful that there are plans under way to spruce up the whole of Silver Street so it looks more appealing to visitors and, with this in mind, we are partnering with Durham BID on a special project to improve the outside fascia and make the former Marks & Spencer store look more attractive while development plans progress.
“The transformation of the former Marks & Spencer unit and the upper floors is a huge project which will bring the full building into activation and is firmly in our expansion pipeline. We are fully committed to bringing Stack Durham to fruition and look forward to sharing more news as the project progresses.”