Council approved plan to move HQ to Rivergreen Centre at Aykley Heads, with new offices and a council chamber.
A plan to fix up Rivergreen Centre is moving forward now. They want to build a new council room and offices there. Builders will add a lobby and an extension. The car park will change and hold 106 cars.
Durham council bought the site in 2023 for £11 million. Atom Bank was there before. This is part of a big change for Aykley Heads.
The goal is to create an “Innovation District.” The council hopes to attract high-tech jobs. They want to find a partner to build a new employment site. The old County Hall will become a new development. It could create 3,700 jobs.
The land development plans started back in 2018. Council members agreed on a partner this week. Staff members are moving to other offices already.
Corten House is a new office building. County Hall still offers most council services. Salvus House holds the council’s civic offices for now. Durham police and Waterstons are tenants there, too.
A statement said the council wants to use the Rivergreen building. It will be the new civic headquarters. They can hold council meetings there. Offices for employees will stay the main purpose of the centre.
The whole top floor will become office space. A new council chamber will be in the building’s corner. They will also change the inside of the building. The chair and vice chair will get offices.
Party rooms and meeting rooms will be on the ground floor. Outside, they will add landscaping near the new lobby. This will improve the entrance. The area will get new plants and a redone car park.