Latest news with #Milburngate
Yahoo
26-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
BrewDog gives its verdict on future of unopened Durham bar after closing 10 UK pubs
Pub chain BrewDog has given its verdict on the future of its unopened Durham site, amid its decision to close ten of its other pubs across the UK. The brewing giant said that it would be closing ten of its bars later this week as part of a fresh strategy for the brewing firm's hospitality arm. BrewDog said it has made efforts to preserve the sites, including York, Leeds North Road, and its flagship Aberdeen pubs, but it 'has simply not been possible to make these bars commercially viable'. The BrewDog site on Milburngate, Durham (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) When asked about BrewDog's unopened bar in Durham, which is part of the controversial Milburngate development, the brewery chain confirmed there would be "no impact" on its plans to come to County Durham. BrewDog's hopes of opening in Milburngate began in 2022, when it was announced that a bar would be 'opening soon' alongside Everyman Cinema and Premier Inn. However, years of delays, including main contractor Tolent going into administration, as well as problems with fire safety regulations and other delays, the site still hasn't opened, despite all of the businesses being 'ready to go'. Despite the issues surrounding BrewDog, it seems that its Durham site is firmly in its plans, and it hopes to open the site as soon as possible. A BrewDog spokesperson said: "The recent announcement regarding bar closures has no impact on our plans for Durham. BrewDog has given its verdict on its Durham site, amid closures of other UK pubs (Image: STUART BOULTON) "It remains our intention to operate the site, and we continue to engage with local parties to that end." As for Milburngate, talks remain ongoing for now, according to Durham County Council. In a brief update on Friday (July 25), a Durham County Council spokesperson said: 'Our new leadership is discussing the development with the funder and any updates will be provided to relevant parties at the appropriate time.' For other BrewDog sites, though, the future is more uncertain. The bar chain said it will shut the bars on Saturday (July 26) and launch a consultation with staff lasting at least 14 days. The BrewDog Milburngate site (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) Chief Executive, James Taylor, told staff the closures are part of a refresh of its estate, partly in response to 'rising costs, increased regulation, and economic pressures' on the sector. He added that the brand will, however, still look to grow its bar business, with plans for more larger bars in 'destination' locations and to open smaller community bars. A BrewDog spokesman said: 'We can confirm that following a review of our bar business, we have made the difficult decision to close 10 bars, which reflects a more focused strategy and a rationalisation of our bar footprint. Read more: BrewDog to shut 10 UK pubs this week BrewDog welcomes update on Durham City Milburngate BrewDog looking for 'timetable of completion' at Milburngate 'This decision is not simply a response to the challenging UK hospitality market, but a proactive decision to redefine the bar division's focus for long-term and profitable growth – accounting for ongoing industry challenges, including rising costs, increased regulation, and economic pressures. 'We are working hard to minimise the impact on our people, and we expect to redeploy many affected team members across the BrewDog network. 'For those leaving the business, we're providing as much support as possible during this transition.'
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Council vows to open delayed leisure development
Council leaders have vowed to open a major leisure and hospitality development after years of delays. Durham County Council's cabinet agreed to proceed with negotiations to acquire Milburngate, in Durham, to end years of uncertainty around the site's future. The acquisition and future development of the site are estimated to cost about £55m and would be self-financed, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said. Liberal Democrat Elizabeth Scott, cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said the money would be paid for by a loan to the council, which would be repaid by the development's tenants. "It does not impact on the Durham taxpayer," she said, adding that tenants should hopefully move into the development in about 18 months. Milburngate, which includes 150 apartments, hotel, bar and cinema, was scheduled to open by the end of 2022 but has run into several problems. Construction company Tolent entered administration in 2023, while questions about fire safety issues delayed construction further. A discussion on the acquisition was held behind closed doors due to commercial sensitivity, but the coalition-led authority revealed the proposal was backed by cabinet members. However, Milburngate's developer Allan Cook, from Arlington Real Estate, said the whole experience had been "frustrating". He said the site's empty cinema had been ready for "about two years" and he did not know when the development would open. "It's been ready to go for quite some time," he said. "You can imagine how frustrating it is for me." When asked when he thought the site would be open, he added: "It depends how the council tackle it." Labour councillor Carl Marshall said it was "absolutely shambolic" it had taken the local authority three-and-half years "for something to happen". One resident told BBC Radio Newcastle the vacant site was a "disgrace for Durham". "I do think it could be good, but it needs finishing," she said. The local authority said it would work with tenants and other stakeholders to ensure the development was fully completed and open to the public "as soon as practicable". Previously, BrewDog expressed frustration at investing £1m into the development and not being able to open. Scott said the council was "very aware of the economic significance of Milburngate". She said combining the business and leisure opportunities with residential and hotel accommodation meant it had a "lot to offer residents and visitors". "Investing in Milburngate would, therefore, allow us to secure its future and bring significant economic benefit to the city and wider county," Scott added. Additional reporting by Mark Denten. Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. Send your story ideas here. Council plans to buy delayed development Durham County Council
BBC News
12-02-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Durham County Council vows to open delayed Milburngate
Council leaders have vowed to open a major leisure and hospitality development after years of County Council's cabinet agreed to proceed with negotiations to acquire Milburngate in Durham to end years of uncertainty around the site's future.A discussion on the acquisition was held behind closed doors due to commercial sensitivity, but the coalition-led authority revealed the proposal was backed by cabinet Democrat Elizabeth Scott, cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said the investment would allow the council to "bring significant economic benefit to the city and wider county". Milburngate was scheduled to open by the end of 2022 but has run into several company Tolent entered administration in 2023, while questions about fire safety issues delayed construction further. 'Huge expense' The acquisition and future development of the site are estimated to cost about £55m and would be self-financed, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.A resident told BBC Radio Newcastle the vacant site was a "disgrace for Durham"."I do think it could be good, but it needs finishing," she said."It's a disgrace like this."Meanwhile, another said it seemed like a "huge expense" for the said while it "should bring a lot of business and people" into Durham, it was "an awful amount of money".The local authority said it would work with tenants and other stakeholders to ensure the development was fully completed and open to the public "as soon as practicable".Previously, BrewDog expressed frustration at investing £1m into the development and not being able to said the council was "very aware of the economic significance of Milburngate".She said combining the business and leisure opportunities with residential and hotel accommodation meant it had a "lot to offer residents and visitors"."Investing in Milburngate would, therefore, allow us to secure its future and bring significant economic benefit to the city and wider county," Scott added. Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. Send your story ideas here.
