Durham days, displays and delays

Good morning, Durham! Thanks to everyone who has provided feedback in our survey so far. If you haven’t filled it out yet, please do here. It only takes a minute.

In this week’s Durham Scoop

• Why isn’t Milburngate ready yet?

• See our pics from Ushaw’s Classic Car Show

• The Rising at Raby Castle nears completion

• Direct trains to London from Seaham

• Durham’s ambitious investment prospectus

• Awards galore

• Business news

• And much more!

Let’s get to it.

— Stephen

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REGENERATION

Why isn't Milburngate ready yet?

The Milburngate development promises a transformative development of where the old Milburngate Building used to sit, yet it has faced several delays and controversies.

As one of the North East's most ambitious regeneration projects in recent times, why has Milburngate faced such unexpected hurdles?

Initially scheduled for a late 2022 launch, the project has encountered numerous delays and concerns about accountability.

Criticisms from high-profile tenants like BrewDog and a dispute between the council and developer have further mired the project in controversy, leaving residents and future tenants in a state of uncertainty.

Our latest feature looks into the reasons behind the prolonged delays and how the project can get to completion.

Read more.

THE DIGEST

🚘. A great day out at Classic Car Show: At the weekend, we visited the Ushaw Classic Car Show at Ushaw Historic House. The event featured 600 classic and retro vehicles. It was a fantastic outing, made even better by the nice weather. The array of vintage vehicles on display felt like a journey through time, evoking nostalgia for attendees of all ages.

You can view our photos from the event in our Facebook album or Instagram Reel. If you missed this one, the next one is on 25 August.

💥 Explosion in Durham City: An underground explosion occurred in Durham City centre on Friday due to an electrical cable fault caused by heavy rainfall. The incident, which took place on North Road, prompted a response from emergency services but resulted in no injuries. Northern Powergrid confirmed the cause and managed the situation with no power outages reported. [link]

🏰 The Rising at Raby Castle nears completion: A two-year development project for Raby Castle is nearing completion creating new retail, hospitality, and event spaces. The project, known as The Rising, features restored heritage buildings, new constructions and remodelled gardens, aiming to attract a wider audience and establish Raby as a leading tourist destination while providing an enjoyable space for the local community. [link]

🥈 Durham awarded in best city break category: Which? magazine has awarded Durham second place in the country’s Best Small City Break category finishing second to Wells, a city of 12,000 near Bath. The accolades are voted for by Which? readers. Call us biased but we think we were robbed. [link]

💂‍♂️ Seaham set for direct trains to London: Grand Central has proposed the introduction of four daily train services from Seaham to London Kings Cross, marking Seaham's first direct link to the capital if approved. The train company says it will ‘provide passengers with a convenient direct connection to the capital’. [link]

🌎 Cheerleading club finishes second in the world in Florida: A cheerleading club from Consett has returned from Florida with a silver medal after success in the US. Derwent Valley Allstars’ Under 16 Level 1 team ‘Royalty’ competed at ‘The Summit’ finishing second in the world. [link]

🏆 Castle renovation wins architectural award: The Tower and Faith Museum at Auckland Castle won the North East Building of the Year Award 2024 at the RIBA North East Awards, which celebrate design excellence in architecture. The project transformed the historic castle into a destination for faith, art, and heritage, and also received the North East Conservation Award 2024. [link]

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

📸 Marion Charlton | 📍 Seaham Beach / Durham Heritage Coast

Tag us on Instagram or Facebook with your brilliant photos of Durham to get in the Scoop!

WEATHER

It’s one of those weeks where it’s best to keep both a brolly and sunglasses handy!

• Tuesday, 28th: 18°C 🌡️ 12°C. Sunny changing to cloudy 🌤️ ➡️ ☁️

• Wednesday, 29th: 18°C 🌡️ 11°C. Sunny intervals changing to light showers 🌤️ ➡️ 🌦️

• Thursday, 30th: 17°C 🌡️ 10°C. Sunny changing to light showers 🌤️ ➡️ 🌦️

• Friday, 31st: 16°C 🌡️ 9°C. Sunny intervals changing to cloudy 🌤️ ➡️ ☁️

INWARD INVESTMENT

County Durham unveils ambitious investment prospectus to global audience

County Durham unveiled a new Investment Prospectus at the UK Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) in Leeds, highlighting 24 investment opportunities designed to boost economic growth and sustainability.

Key projects include the expansion of NETPark, the Aykley Heads Innovation District, and Seaham Garden Village. The industry focus spans advanced manufacturing, space and satellites, fintech, green energy, and more. With this prospectus, the region aims to attract substantial investment from across the country and beyond.

We dove into the prospectus to understand what it covers. Read more.

PROPERTY OF THE WEEK

Properties in Co Durham borders that recently came to market.

Wallnook Lane, Langley Park, DH7

A stunning three-bedroom family home, a former farmhouse from 1721, has been lovingly refurbished throughout. It offers a main bedroom with an ensuite, a beautiful garden overlooking a beck, and a tranquil location.

Check the listing to see the price.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

This section will now include events that are scheduled more than a week in advance. Thanks to Trish for the suggestion.

Music

🧚‍♂️ James. Friday 31st May, 7 pm: Following this warm-up show, James head out on their biggest ever tour in June, playing across the UK including the new Co-Op Live arena in Manchester and culminating at London The O2 on 15th June, the first time the band have played the 20,000 capacity venue. At Stockton Globe. Tickets.

🕺 Strictly Come Dancing. The Professionals. Saturday 1st June, 2:30 pm & 7:30 pm: Join hugely talented Strictly Professionals - Dianne Buswell, Vito Coppola, Carlos Gu, Karen Hauer, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Graziano di Prima, Jowita Przystal, Michelle Tsiakkas and Nancy Xu - live and up close as they treat audiences to world-class dance, sparkling sets and stunning choreography with a generous sprinkle of Strictly magic. At Stockton Globe. Tickets.

🧚‍♂️ Durham University Presents: Fairytales. Saturday 1 June, 6:45 pm: Join Durham University for its annual summer concert, showcasing the very best of student musical talent. Exploring the enchanting world of Fairytales, the concert takes the audience on a magical journey through some of the world’s most cherished stories, featuring choirs, orchestras, bands, opera and musical theatre. At Durham Cathedral. Tickets.

🎤 A Vision of Elvis. Friday 7th June, 7:30 pm: Put on your blue suede shoes and come to celebrate the music of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll with the UK’s supreme Elvis – Rob Kinglsey – and his talented cast. This breath-taking recreation of a live Elvis Presley concert takes you on an epic audio-visual journey through time like you’ve never seen before. At The Fire Station. Tickets.

🎶 Simon & Garfunkel: Through the Years. Friday 7th June, 8 pm: The most authentic-sounding concert to the unforgettable music of Simon & Garfunkel. Made up of Dan Haynes & Pete Richards, Bookends have toured the globe extensively with their concerts being described as ‘simply breath-taking’. At Durham Cathedral. Tickets.

Sports

🚣 Durham Regatta 2024. Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th June. Get ready for a spectacular weekend of racing and bank-side entertainment. The Durham Regatta not only offers thrilling racing but also a variety of attractions for everyone. Entertainment from bands and performers along with a great selection of stalls to browse and local foods make it a brilliant family event. At Durham City. More info.

Children

🧪 Science Museum - The Live Stage Show. Tuesday 28th May, 1:30 pm and 4:30 pm. Join London’s world-renowned Science Museum as they bring you this brand-new stage production aimed at igniting your curiosity, fuelling your imagination, and inspiring you in new and exciting ways. At The Fire Station. Tickets.

🤴 Horrible Histories Live: Rotten Royals. Friday 7th and Saturday 8th June. Would you be wooed by Richard the Lionheart? Are you ready for a date with King Edward I? Would you be shaken or stirred by Richard III? Boasting the funniest and most outrageous regal scenes from the hit Barmy Britain shows, Rotten Royals promises Durham will be most amused! At Durham Gala. Tickets

Comedy

😂 The Comedy Store April. Sunday 2nd June, 7:30 pm: With over 35 years’ experience in the business and as the premiere name in comedy, The Comedy Store is renowned as a breeding ground for new talent and remains the place to see stars of the future. At the Gala Durham. Tickets.

Theatre

🎭 Yarns From Hyem. Friday 31st May, 7:30 pm: Four short plays that champion North East stories and celebrate local talent Yarns From Hyem takes you through the highs and lows of love, loss and hope, as a top team of regional talent brings to life four powerful short plays in one performance. At the Gala Durham. Tickets.

🎭 Macbeth. Friday 7th June, 1:45 pm: Shakespeare’s brutal tragedy is given new life in this haunting, break-neck adaptation, retaining the intensity and intrigue of Macbeth in 80 high-octane minutes, with two award-winning actors brilliantly and boldly bringing more than 20 roles to life. At Sunderland Empire. Tickets.

BUSINESS NEWS

🐕 Wilson Vets opens in Newton Aycliffe: Wilson Vets has relocated to a new, larger facility on Greenwell Road in Newton Aycliffe, expanding its services and improving its facilities for clients and their pets. The new clinic features advanced medical equipment, increased consulting rooms, and dedicated areas for dogs and cats, enhancing both pet care and employee work conditions. [link]

✂️ Seaham hairdressers are finalists in prestigious national awards: Seaham-based Hair System company Novo Cabelo made it to the finals in an impressive two categories at HJ’s British Hairdressing Business Awards 2024. The innovative company are shortlisted for Marketing Campaign of the Year while Founder Rob Wood is nominated for Social Stylist of the Year. [link]

HOW DID WE DO?

THANKS!

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