Durham Arena: Exploring its potential impact on the county

Set against the backdrop of Dalton Park, the proposed Durham Durham Arena aspires to redefine County Durham as a vibrant hub of culture and community.

This major development, if approved, is set to become the largest indoor venue in the North East of England, aiming to draw both national and international visitors with its convenient location and state-of-the-art facilities.

The vision for the Durham Arena is to offer many entertainment options—from music concerts to sporting events—designed to bring families and generations together while addressing accessibility challenges with its proximity to the A-19 motorway.

The development is led by Alex Bastholm, the man behind the development of Dalton Park. Although the financial backers of this project have not been disclosed, Bastholm’s successful track record lends credibility to the project's potential.

However, despite this, the project awaits the green light from Durham County Council, reflecting the important community feedback and approval process it must navigate.

This article explores the proposed Durham Arena’s envisioned impact on the local economy and community, detailing the many benefits it could bring, alongside the challenges and considerations that lie ahead.

Table of Contents

• Development overview

• Community engagement and impact

• Economic benefits

• Environmental and community considerations

• Development details and timeline

• The Scoop says

Development overview

The Durham Durham Arena represents a significant investment in the future of County Durham, poised to become the region's largest indoor venue.

This ambitious project aims to provide not only entertainment but also to support community development and cultural growth.

Director at Durham Arena & Leisure, Joanne Davis said, “Our goal is to create a space that fosters community spirit and captures the potential of the region. Our plans include a range of facilities catering to numerous sports and entertainment opportunities.

"By integrating a versatile lineup of activities and spaces, from state-of-the-art sports facilities to a world-class concert venue, we aim to establish the Durham Arena as a dynamic hub for both the local community and visitors from outside the region."

Facilities and infrastructure:

• Music venue: At the heart of the Durham Arena will be a world-class 15,000-seat music venue designed to host major national and international acts.

• Parking and accessibility: Accommodating up to 3,000 vehicles, the car park will include extensive electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, showing the project's focus on sustainability.

• Sports and recreation: The inclusion of two roller rinks—one designated for professional competitions—alongside a swimming pool, bowling alley, and comprehensive gym space, caters to both the local and regional populations. These facilities highlight the Durham Arena's role in encouraging active lifestyles.

• Climbing walls and dance academy: These facilities aim to provide diverse recreational opportunities, support local fitness and dance groups, and foster talent within the community.

• Enhanced hospitality and accommodation: The Durham Arena development includes the construction of a hotel to support the influx of visitors for events, offering comfortable and convenient accommodations right at the heart of the action.

Location and Access

Conveniently located near the A-19 motorway, the Durham Arena ensures easy accessibility for residents of Durham, Tyneside, Wearside, and Teesside. This location choice reduces city traffic problems for visitors coming from outside the region, potentially boosting visitor numbers and overall usability of the venue.

Community engagement and impact

At its core, the Durham Arena is envisioned as a transformative project that bridges generational divides and enriches local life.

Recognising the needs and aspirations of East Durham's residents, the development team say they are dedicated to fostering a strong sense of community ownership and involvement.

Community consultation and feedback

The Durham Arena project says it has a commitment to openness and inclusion in all stages of development.

Planned community consultation days, like the upcoming event at the Glebe Centre in Murton, provide a platform for residents to voice their opinions, learn more about the project and contribute to its refinement.

Community Programs and Initiatives

Beyond physical infrastructure, the Durham Arena is set to launch several community-oriented programs aimed at enriching the local cultural and social landscape.

These include initiatives to support local artists and cultural organisations, which will help cultivate a vibrant local creative scene.

Youth engagement is a priority, with programs designed to provide alternatives to street life. These initiatives focus on sports and arts aimed at empowering young people and providing them with helpful and engaging activities.

Economic benefits

The Durham Durham Arena can be a driver for economic growth and social enrichment in East Durham.

A major development of this size would bring several economic and social benefits to the region, playing an important role in its ongoing regeneration.

"We're constructing a building but, importantly, we're creating opportunities. The Durham Arena is expected to generate over 1,500 jobs, significantly impacting the local economy and providing new prospects for the people of East Durham," said Joanne.

"From construction to permanent roles in operations, this project is about enhancing livelihoods and supporting our community's economic growth."

Job creation

The project is expected to generate over 1,500 new jobs, ranging from direct employment within the Durham Arena to supporting jobs in hospitality, security, and maintenance.

A significant number of these roles are anticipated to be filled by local residents, providing a much-needed boost to the local employment market.

In addition to permanent positions, the construction phase of the Durham Arena will also create numerous temporary jobs, further contributing to the local economy.

Boost to local businesses

The Durham Arena will act as a powerful economic engine, bringing more visitors to the area. Local businesses, from restaurants and retail outlets to hotels and transport services, are expected to benefit from the influx of visitors attending events at the Durham Arena.

This increase in local spending is anticipated to boost the economy of the area's commercial sectors, with the possibility of attracting new businesses and investment into the region.

Tourism and regional attraction

By hosting a diverse range of events, from international music concerts to national sports competitions, the Durham Arena will significantly raise the profile of East Durham as a tourist destination.

This increased visibility can help draw more visitors not only to the Durham Arena but also to other local attractions such as Seaham and Durham City, enhancing overall regional tourism.

The presence of a major venue like the Durham Durham Arena can also lead to further developments, such as hotels and conference centre constructions, boosting the local tourism infrastructure.

Environmental and community considerations

The Durham Arena includes a commitment to environmental and community well-being. These initiatives are designed to minimise the project's environmental impact and enhance the social and economic fabric of Durham, to make the Durham Arena a valuable asset for the community.

"Sustainability is at the core of the Durham Arena. We are committed to a design that respects our environmental responsibilities and enhances community well-being," Joanne explained.

"Features like our living roof are just one example of how we plan to integrate eco-friendly solutions that align with our vision of a sustainable future for Durham."

Focus on sustainability:

Solar energy utilisation

The Durham Arena plans to use solar panels to reduce reliance on non-renewable energy sources. This initiative will support environmental conservation and decrease operational costs.

Living roof

A key feature of the Durham Arena's innovative design is its living roof, which supports local flora and fauna, helping to maintain local biodiversity.

This green roof also plays a critical role in controlling rainwater, reducing the impact on the local drainage system and mitigating the urban heat island effect.

Minimising environmental impact:

Traffic and noise management

With the Durham Arena's proximity to the A-19 motorway, planned measures are implemented to handle increased traffic flow, including well-planned entry and exit routes and ample parking with EV charging stations. Noise reduction is also addressed ensuring minimal disruption to the surrounding communities.

Community integration and enhancement:

Public spaces and accessibility

The Durham Arena's design includes multiple public spaces that are accessible to everyone, encouraging inclusion and providing communal areas for relaxation and socialisation. These spaces are integral to fostering a community-centric venue.

Support for local businesses

The project encourages local businesses to work with the Durham Arena, from food concessions to merchandise and service providers. This approach not only boosts local economic activity but also strengthens community ties.

Educational and cultural programmes

The Durham Arena will host a variety of educational and cultural programmes that aim to engage local schools, colleges, and community groups. These initiatives are designed to provide educational opportunities and promote cultural appreciation, enriching the community's social fabric.

Development details and timeline

The Durham Durham Arena project team says they are close to submitting the final plans to Durham County Council for approval. These plans detail the proposed development of the Durham Arena, designed to meet all necessary regulations and community standards.

This phase is crucial as it involves a thorough assessment of the project following local planning laws and its potential impacts on the local environment and community. The project team is confident that their submission addresses all required aspects for approval.

"This is a pivotal moment for the Durham Arena project as we prepare to submit our final plans for approval," stated Joanne Davis.

"We've conducted a thorough assessment to ensure that our plans not only comply with local planning laws but also thoughtfully consider the potential impacts on our community and environment."

Pending council approval, the project team anticipates breaking ground as soon as possible. The construction of the Durham Arena is expected to take approximately one year. This timeline includes all major building activities, from foundational work to the final touches.

The Scoop says

The Durham Durham Arena project stands at the cusp of becoming a transformative landmark for East Durham.

Spearheaded by Alex Bastholm, known for his role in developing Dalton Park, this ambitious project promises to revitalise the local economy through extensive job creation and stimulate community engagement through diverse cultural and sporting events.

With its strategic location and forward-thinking design, the Durham Arena has the potential to enhance the region's attractiveness as a destination for both national and international visitors.

As we await final approvals, the potential benefits for County Durham could be substantial, potentially ushering in a period of economic and cultural growth along with community cohesion.