Durham City has a thriving and diverse business profile.

Home to important service and public sector organisations such as the University, the NHS, the Police and the County Council, Durham City also has strengths in:

• Tourism, retail and leisure
• Digital and creative industries
• Renewable energy and environmental technologies

Durham City businesses may be already thriving but we need more: 23ha of employment land and space for 7,500 more jobs.

The City is focused on attracting further operations in HQ operations, administrative and sales functions, linking with the strong demand generated by the County’s manufacturing base which accounts for 20% of its total economy.

The delivery of the Freeman’s Reach project during the global recession is an example of how demand for space in Durham City is a constant and how the County Council works with developers and occupiers to deliver a solution.

There are several strategic projects either underway or to be delivered to create a defined business district: Freeman’s Reach, Milburngate House, Northern Quarter, and Aykley Heads (see strategic projects page).