Durham hotel dropped from plans for Prince Bishops Shopping Centre

Work to transform the Prince Bishops Shopping Centre in Durham City is set to be revised after the 101-bedroom hotel was deemed unviable by the developer behind the project. 

Planning permission was granted in July 2024 for the redevelopment, which includes demolishing part of the existing site to make way for new commercial units and public spaces. The plans for the new student accommodation will now be extended to provide 500 rooms. 

The proposal was previously branded “one of the most significant developments in the life of our city”. 

A new planning application is due to be submitted later this month after a public consultation. 

Objectors to the scheme previously warned that the proposal would “transform Durham City into a student campus and only cater for this transient population.

But applicant Citrus Durham said the redevelopment would cater to modern-day shopping habits and support the future of the city centre. 

James Taylor, regional director at Citrus Group, said: “Since planning permission was granted, we have continued to work through the detailed design to ensure the scheme is deliverable. 

“The proposed amendments are modest and form a routine part of the development process, allowing the improvements to move forward confidently on an investment that secures the long-term future of Prince Bishops Place and its key role in Durham City Centre.”

The revised scheme proposes around 32 commercial units on the high street, to be marketed at national and independent retailers, alongside student accommodation above retail units and the multi-storey car park.

Click here to view more information about the proposal.

A public drop-in consultation event will take place on Thursday (February 5) from 5.30pm to 8.00pm, in Unit 10 (between Boots Opticians and Clarks) at Prince Bishops Place.

Robert Dibden, planning director at Lichfields, said: “The revised application reflects the work needed to transition the scheme from planning approval to delivery.

The proposals maintain the benefits of the consented scheme, including enhanced retail space, improved public areas and investment into the city centre”.