Member Article

20-year vision for Durham under the microscope

Plans for re-shaping Durham City over the next 14 years have gone on show to the public. An exhibition on the Masterplan for Durham City 2020 Vision has opened at the Durham Tourist Information Centre in Millennium Square, Durham County Hall, and at One NorthEast, based at Stella House, Newburn Riverside, Newcastle. Displays at various locations will also run until October 13.The plans have been drawn up after a detailed report by consultants, published last year, found that the city was not making the most of its assets. Weaknesses identified in the report included “mediocre” shopping facilities and accessibility problems. The 20-year masterplan looks at how the city can realise its economic potential, while retaining its heritage and historic character. The plan suggests a wide range of strategies, including improving the range and types of shopping available; extending the range of employment opportunities; improving the provision of leisure and entertainment; developing new iconic buildings and structures and planning new ways of illuminating and signing the City centre. Fostering art and craft shops, bookstores, galleries, jewellery and high-fashion boutiques around the Claypath and North Road in particular, and in other areas of the City centre, are also amongst the plans. Cllr Fraser Reynolds, leader of City of Durham Council, said: “Our aim is to create opportunities for investors, developers and businesses to provide jobs in and around the City centre, which add to the richness and diversity of Durham.” A copy of the masterplan is available at www.durhamvision.org.uk.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .