Latest news with #DurhamCity
Yahoo
05-08-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Investigation into demolition of 200-year-old Durham building remains ongoing
An investigation is ongoing after a 200-year-old building near Durham City was reduced to rubble. The kiln, on the site of the former Kepier Hospital, came down in July with pictures showing a huge pile of bricks remaining. Durham County Council previously confirmed that its planning team was investigating the incident. The brick kiln was left reduced to rubble (Image: DJ Aerial Photography) Stephen Reed, the council's planning manager, said: 'We have recently received a report about the kiln being demolished and our planning enforcement team is investigating.' The kiln was previously used as part of the brickworks in Durham City, before being used by the neighbouring Kepier Farm until the second half of the 20th century. The 200-year-old brick kiln (Image: DJ Aerial Photography) It was considered a 'non-designated historical asset' by Historic England, and it is understood permission would be needed to do any works. The kiln sat for many years on open countryside land as a historic site and a nod to County Durham's industrial past. Bricks on the old site of Kepier Hospital (Image: DJ Aerial Photography) Historic England describe 'non-designated heritage assets' as buildings, monuments, sites, places, areas or landscapes identified as having a degree of significance meriting consideration in planning decisions. This site was added to the Local List in November 2023, meaning the building was classed as 'historically significant' by the council. Read more: Calls for Harry Potter star Miriam Margolyes to be stripped of OBE Average speed cameras appear on County Durham A1(M) - when they'll be turned on Boro in advanced talks to re-sign Chuba Akpom, but face battle against league rivals Birdwatchers spot rare bird of prey over the skies of the North East Boy, 13, in hospital after fall from cliffs in North East bay as air ambulance called Belmont Parish Councillor Richard Hornby said in a Facebook post: "I was very disappointed to find out today that the Kepier brick kiln, a non-designated heritage asset within the City of Durham Conservation Area, has been demolished at the weekend. "As someone who is passionate about protecting our heritage, it is very sad to see what has happened to one of the oldest structures in our ward." Northern Powergrid has confirmed the demolition wasn't carried out by them or their contractors.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The County Durham restaurant attracting Hollywood actors and sport stars
A top Indian restaurant in County Durham is fast earning a reputation as a magnet for sporting legends, TV personalities, and cultural icons, with big names regularly dropping by to savour its renowned cuisine. Spice Lounge, in Durham City, has been quietly establishing itself as a firm favourite among celebrities – and now its guest list is beginning to turn heads. Toby Jones at Spice Lounge (Image: SPICE LOUNGE) From cricket and football to TV and film, the restaurant has welcomed a host of high-profile visitors in recent months, all keen to experience its acclaimed Indian dining. Among those to dine at the popular venue is Ottis Gibson, the former West Indies fast bowler and a 2012 T20 World Cup-winning coach, who enjoyed a memorable evening at the Spice Lounge. Niall Quinn at Spice Lounge (Image: SPICE LOUNGE) Sticking to the cricket theme, David Gower, former England cricket captain, whose presence added a touch of sporting royalty to the restaurant's growing prestige, has also popped in for a meal over the years. The footballing world has also been represented, with Niall Quinn, former Arsenal and Republic of Ireland striker and ex-Sunderland chairman, dining at the venue – to the delight of staff and patrons alike. David Gower at Spice Lounge (Image: SPICE LOUNGE)TV fans were thrilled by the appearance of Mike Brewer, presenter of the hit motoring show Wheeler Dealers, who stopped by to sample the restaurant's signature dishes. And it wasn't just sports and TV stars making waves at Spice Lounge. Read next: Sir John Hall hails 'moment in history' after first Durham Reform council meeting Daughter still searching for answers in dad's infected blood death 49 years on Tragedy as body found in search for missing GP and Northern Echo columnist lick here to join our WhatsApp community and get breaking news updates direct to your phone. Acclaimed actor Toby Jones OBE, known for his standout roles in The Detectorists, Captain America, and Harry Potter, also paid a visit. He was spotted enjoying the restaurant's award-winning cuisine and even posed for a photo with manager Mr Miah. As word spreads and the list of celebrity diners continues to grow, Spice Lounge is fast becoming not just a local favourite but a destination restaurant in the North East.
