Stack committed to Durham venue after MP criticism

The development of the former Marks and Spencer building on Silver Street, was approved by Durham County Council in April 2023, and, since that time, little progress has been made.

Speaking in the House of Commons on Monday (January 12) MP Mary Kelly Foy said the project, alongside the Milburngate development had been “stalled for years” and both “seemingly permanently paused”.

She said there had been “little to nothing” said in terms of progress on the site and the lack of progress creates the “wrong impression” for the city.

The MP added: “For too long, we have had major developments seemingly permanently paused in Durham, such as Stack in the city centre, with no information from either the developer or Durham County Council about what they are doing to drive this forward.”

But bosses at Stack have said their plans to open in Durham remain unchanged.

A spokesperson said: “We recognise that there is strong local interest in the progress of the Stack site in Durham city centre.

“Our intention to deliver a Stack venue in Durham remains unchanged, but the timing of delivery for this site has moved back from our original anticipated programme.

“In the meantime, we are planning works in the coming months to improve the external appearance of the building, helping to enhance the look and feel of the street, while plans for the venue continue to be progressed.”

It was initially hoped the venue would open in late 2023.

Construction finally began at the beginning of 2025 as workers were seen entering the former department store, with CEO Neill Winch saying at the time asbestos needed removing.

He said at the time he hoped the site would open by the end of the year.

Once built the Durham site will host food vendors, live music, and events.

On the ground floor, there will be eight food traders and two ground areas surrounding a central seating ‘plaza’. A stage will host live music and comedy.

There will be four more food traders and two more bars on the first floor, with the second floor designated for a games area.

A licence to sell alcohol between 10am and 12am Monday to Thursday, extended to 1am on Fridays and Saturdays was also approved.

Tony Hanson, Durham County Council’s corporate director of regeneration, economy and growth, added: “Stack has confirmed its intention to open two outlets in County Durham, in both Durham and Bishop Auckland. Structural issues at the Bishop Auckland site are causing delays to that development. Once these issues are resolved, Stack will then be able to develop a clearer timeline for its Durham venue.”