Aykley Heads Business Park, in Durham City, is at the heart of plans to create the district in partnership with Durham University. The proposed site could include public, private and education sectors working together to bring new investment and jobs to the region. 

Durham County Council previously announced hopes of attracting up to 4,500 jobs to the site and proposed three new office blocks in an initial masterplan. But the plans have been revised and a Durham University data centre, providing 15 jobs, has been approved. 

Speaking at a planning committee meeting, councillor Kevin Shaw said: “With this data centre being provided on the site, how many of these original anticipated 4,500 jobs are now going to be deliverable? 

An artist’s impression of how the district could look. (Image: Ryder Architecture)

“What happens if we get another two or three proposals coming forward that also don’t create any jobs? Are we going to be in a situation where it’s a scandalous waste of opportunity on what this site could be used for? We could get another two data banks coming along. This is probably the most strategically important site in the county.”

Cllr Shaw’s shared his concerns as Durham County Council’s planning committee voted on the data centre proposal. Liberal Democrat Craig Martin admitted he was never convinced by the high jobs target.

“I never thought the 4,500 jobs were going to be delivered,” he said. 

“I thought it was a spurious figure, it was always going to be difficult to deliver it. But the point of this development was always about having people in jobs in the centre of Durham. It does concern me about the long-term strategic objectives of this site from the changing of units.”

The county councillors’ concerns were supported by residents and parish councillors, who said the initial plans should not be forgotten.

The City of Durham Parish Council said: “Whilst masterplans cannot be rigidly applied and circumstances have changed considerably since 2020, the principles set out in the Aykley Heads masterplan are too important to be set aside lightly, not only in relation to Plot D, but for the whole development of Aykley Heads.”

An artist’s impression of how the district could look. (Image: Ryder Architecture)

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However, the council insisted the data centre is still relevant to its ambition for the area. Durham Constabulary’s headquarters and Durham County Council’s County Hall are also located at Aykley Heads, with other areas also outlined for redevelopment. 

Stephen Reed, Durham County Council planning development manager, said: “We are moving forward at a positive pace with the procurement work to move the Aykley Heads site forward for employment uses. The figure cllr Shaw mentions was a target figure, based on the earlier planning application. There will always be some flexibility. 

“I’m confident it’s entirely in accordance with the employment aspirations of the Aykley Heads site.”