Freemans Reach

At Freeman’s Reach, development proposals are funded by a private sector partnership working with the council and the Homes and Community Agency using a former Ice Rink site which has been brought forward by the public sector. The approved proposals, which are currently under construction, comprise office developments, restaurant/café, kiosk,hydro power installation and public space including a new riverside walk. The scheme comprises two 4 storey office blocks built in two phases, which will occupy the majority of the site. The kiosk, hydro power installation and main public space are located within the southern part of the site.

The Phase 1 office development located within the northern end of the site offers a total floorspace of 4350m² and provides high quality space for National Savings & Investments (NS&I) which is relocating from the ageing Milburngate House. The Phase 2 office development will have a total floorspace of 5,268m² and will include also a restaurant/café (715m²) and a kiosk/visitor information point.

The development will secure 1,300 jobs within the central area and, crucially, retain NS&I in Durham.

The development consortium for Freeman’s Reach is Arlington Real Estate, a County Durham-based business headed by local entrepreneur, Allan Cook. Allan has brought together a team, which includes Carillion Developments (whose lead Director on the project, Neil McMillan, is also local to the area and works in County Durham) and Richardsons Capital LLP.

The project is funded by Legal & General.