Located within Dalton Park, the proposed Durham Arena aims to transform County Durham into a thriving hub of cultural and community activity. This ambitious project, pending approval, aspires to become the premier indoor venue in the North East of England. It is poised to attract a diverse range of visitors both nationally and globally with its prime location and state-of-the-art amenities.
Entertainment and Accessibility
The Durham Arena aims to offer diverse entertainment options for families and individuals of all ages, including music concerts and sports events. Its strategic location near the A-19 motorway ensures easy accessibility.
Leadership and Financial Backing
Alex Bastholm, known for his impressive work on Dalton Park, is leading this project. Although the specific financial backers remain undisclosed, Bastholm’s successful track record adds a level of trust to the project’s promising future.
Approval Status
The project is still pending approval from Durham County Council, as it undergoes the necessary steps to incorporate community feedback and gain official endorsement. Durham Arena & Leisure Ltd outlines both the potential benefits and the challenges ahead.
Development Overview
The Durham Arena represents a significant investment in County Durham’s future, poised to become the region’s largest indoor venue. This ambitious project aims to provide entertainment while supporting community development and cultural growth.
Director’s Vision
Joanne Davis, Director at Durham Arena & Leisure, said, “Our goal is to create a space that fosters community spirit and captures the region’s potential. Our plans include a range of facilities catering to numerous sports and entertainment opportunities.”
She added, “By integrating a versatile lineup of activities and spaces, from state-of-the-art sports facilities to a world-class concert venue, we aim to establish the Durham Arena as a dynamic hub for both the local community and visitors from outside the region.”
Facilities and Infrastructure
Music Venue: A world-class 15,000-seat music venue designed to host major national and international acts. Parking and Accessibility: Accommodating up to 3,000 vehicles, the car park will include extensive electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, demonstrating the project’s focus on sustainability. Sports and Recreation: Facilities will include two roller rinks (one for professional competitions), a swimming pool, bowling alley, and comprehensive gym space. Climbing Walls and Dance Academy: These facilities aim to provide diverse recreational opportunities, support local fitness and dance groups, and foster talent within the community. Hospitality and Accommodation: The project includes constructing a hotel to support visitors attending events, offering comfortable and convenient accommodations.
Location and Access
Conveniently located near the A-19 motorway, the Durham Arena will ensure easy accessibility for residents of Durham, Tyneside, Wearside, and Teesside. This strategic location reduces city traffic problems for visitors from outside the region, potentially boosting visitor numbers and overall venue usability.
Community Engagement and Impact
At its core, the Durham Arena aims to be a transformative project that bridges generational divides and enriches local life. Recognising the needs and aspirations of East Durham’s residents, the development team is dedicated to fostering a strong sense of community ownership and involvement.
Community Consultation and Feedback
The Durham Arena project commits to openness and inclusion at all development stages. Planned community consultation days, such as the upcoming event at the Glebe Centre in Murton, provide a platform for residents to voice their opinions, learn more about the project, and contribute to its refinement.
Community Programs and Initiatives
Beyond physical infrastructure, the Durham Arena will launch several community-oriented programs to enrich the local cultural and social landscape. These initiatives support local artists and cultural organisations, helping to cultivate a vibrant local creative scene. Youth engagement is a priority, with programs designed to provide alternatives to street life, focusing on sports and arts to empower young people.
Economic Benefits
The Durham Arena can drive economic growth and social enrichment in East Durham, bringing numerous benefits to the region and playing a crucial role in its ongoing regeneration.
Job Creation
Joanne Davis highlighted, “We’re constructing a building but, importantly, we’re creating opportunities. The Durham Arena is expected to generate over 1,500 jobs, significantly impacting the local economy and providing new prospects for the people of East Durham.”
These jobs will range from direct employment within the Durham Arena to supporting roles in hospitality, security, and maintenance. Many of these positions are expected to be filled by local residents, providing a much-needed boost to local employment. The construction phase will also create numerous temporary jobs, further contributing to the local economy.
Boost to Local Businesses
The Durham Arena will act as a powerful economic engine, bringing more visitors to the area. Local businesses, from restaurants and retail outlets to hotels and transport services, are expected to benefit from the influx of visitors attending events. This increase in local spending is anticipated to boost the area’s economy, potentially attracting new businesses and investment.
Tourism and Regional Attraction
By hosting a diverse range of events, from international music concerts to national sports competitions, the Durham Arena will significantly raise the profile of East Durham as a tourist destination. This increased visibility can help draw more visitors to the Durham Arena and other local attractions, such as Seaham and Durham City, enhancing overall regional tourism. The presence of a major venue like the Durham Arena can also lead to further developments, such as hotels and conference centres, boosting the local tourism infrastructure.
Environmental and Community Considerations
The Durham Arena is committed to environmental and community well-being. These initiatives are designed to minimise the project’s environmental impact and enhance Durham’s social and economic fabric, making the Durham Arena a valuable community asset.
Focus on Sustainability
Solar Energy Utilisation: The Durham Arena plans to use solar panels to reduce reliance on non-renewable energy sources, supporting environmental conservation and reducing operational costs. Living Roof: A key feature of the Arena’s design is its living roof, which supports local flora and fauna, helping to maintain biodiversity. This green roof also helps control rainwater, reducing the impact on the local drainage system and mitigating the urban heat island effect.
Minimising Environmental Impact
Traffic and Noise Management: With the Arena’s proximity to the A-19 motorway, planned measures will handle increased traffic flow, including well-planned entry and exit routes and ample parking with EV charging stations. Noise reduction measures will ensure minimal disruption to surrounding communities.
Community Integration and Enhancement
Public Spaces and Accessibility: The Arena’s design includes multiple public spaces that are accessible to everyone, encouraging inclusion and providing communal areas for relaxation and socialisation. Support for Local Businesses: The project encourages local businesses to work with the Durham Arena, from food concessions to merchandise and service providers, boosting local economic activity and strengthening community ties. Educational and Cultural Programmes: The Arena will host a variety of educational and cultural programmes aimed at engaging local schools, colleges, and community groups, providing educational opportunities and promoting cultural appreciation.
Development Details and Timeline
The Durham Arena project team is close to submitting the final plans to Durham County Council for approval. These plans detail the proposed development, designed to meet all necessary regulations and community standards. This phase is crucial as it involves a thorough assessment of the project’s potential impacts on the local environment and community.
Joanne Davis stated, “This is a pivotal moment for the Durham Arena project as we prepare to submit our final plans for approval. We’ve conducted a thorough assessment to ensure that our plans comply with local planning laws and thoughtfully consider the potential impacts on our community and environment.”
Pending council approval, the project team anticipates breaking ground as soon as possible. The construction of the Durham Arena is expected to take approximately one year, including all major building activities from foundational work to the final touches.
Final Approvals for the Durham Arena
The Durham Arena project stands at the cusp of becoming a transformative landmark for East Durham. Spearheaded by Alex Bastholm, known for his role in developing Dalton Park, this ambitious project promises to revitalise the local economy through extensive job creation and stimulate community engagement through diverse cultural and sporting events. With its strategic location and forward-thinking design, the Durham Arena has the potential to enhance the region’s attractiveness as a destination for both national and international visitors.
As we await final approvals, the potential benefits for County Durham could be substantial, potentially ushering in a period of economic and cultural growth and community cohesion.
