A multi million pound redevelopment of The Gates shopping centre in Durham City centre is set to go ahead after planners approved the £30m scheme.
Located close to the River Wear, the shopping centre will be transformed to include a selection of new shops, restaurants, student accommodation and a multiplex cinema.
The first phase of the scheme will involve the substantial demolition and remodelling of the shopping centre, which was built in two phases between 1975 and 1987 but has suffered from a lack of investment in recent years. Part of the roof over the current mall will be removed to create an 'open air' street while on the existing podium deck, a pedestrian route will be created with space for outside dining, landscaping and seasonal market stalls.
Durham County Council's planning committee is next week expected to rubber stamp the proposals from centre owner Clearbell Capital, with a report from officers outlining the benefits of the project despite a number of objections.