Durham's Official Student Newspaper
By Katie Keillor
The North East leisure company Danilei Group plans to bring the popular STACK brand to two sites in County Durham, following a £7 million investment.
The Group has applied to convert the former M&S store on Silver Street into a new leisure hub. Since being appointed a developmental partner by Durham County Council, Danilei Group has also revealed plans for a project at Newgate Street in Bishop Auckland.
STACK Durham will include seven street food outlets, five bars, a coffee shop, a stage, communal seating and a roof top terrace, in addition to a games room for ‘competitive socialising’ anticipated to include shuffleboard and darts.
STACK already has leisure hubs in Seaburn and Newcastle, which offer various street food operators, independent shops and bars; shipping containers are stacked around a plaza, where customers can often enjoy free live music with their street food.
Durham residents will, however, be relieved to hear that efforts are being made to keep the Yorkshire Trading Company after the STACK moves in. Plans were revealed by Danilei Group to move into the site of the bargain retailer but retail expert, Graham Soult, has acknowledged many will reject another food and drink outlet, if it involves losing a shop.
“Durham is a city with an international reputation for its tourist attractions and history”
STACK Durham will differ from the Sunderland and Newcastle leisure hubs, however, it will retain the container brand aesthetic that distinguishes the brand and has contributed to the success of the popular drinking and dining leisure sites.
Neil Winch, CEO of Danieli Group, believes the two County Durham venues offer promising potential: “Durham is a city with an international reputation for its tourist attractions and history and is home to one of the top universities in the country, bringing in students from around the world.
“Also, Bishop Auckland is a town where we know we can contribute to local culture, jobs, enterprise, tourism and communities. We are in the business of transforming places, and we hope to be a catalyst for transformation in County Durham with a combined investment of more than £7 million.”
STACK Durham is expected to open in winter 2023, whereas STACK Bishop Auckland is hoping to launch in early 2024.
Image: Emily Doughty
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