Wish you were beer: Brewdog bosses criticise a Durham bar development delay

The chief executive of the well know beer company has claimed delays on the development is costing the north east region ‘hundreds of jobs’.

The Milburngate development in Durham, which was proposed to create office space for 400 jobs, as well as new homes, bars and restaurants, a cinema, and a hotel on the city’s riverside, has been delayed due to the main contractor, otherwise known as Tolent, fell into administration January – this was the same period developers agreed to open the Premier Inn, Brewdog bar and Everyman Cinema.

Following the news of the delay, James Watt, chief executive of Brewdog, has said: ‘Our economy is missing out on hundreds of jobs, the government are missing out on valuable tax revenue and the good people of Durham are missing out on brilliant entertainment options.’

James’ criticism was aimed at Durham County Council, who have also shared their dismay at the delays as they have claimed they are ‘disappointed with the progress’.

Against this backdrop, a statement from the council outlined that the sites developer is responsible for finishing the scheme, but a statement from the developer illustrated tensions between it and the council.

A spokesperson for Durham County Council said: ‘We are aware of the concerns of BrewDog and we are disappointed with the progress at this site.

‘It is important to clarify that Durham County Council is not responsible for the delivery of this development – the Milburngate site is owned by a private company and is not in the control of the council.

‘They are responsible for resolving issues arising from work carried out by the contractor Tolent and that need to be addressed before the site can open – it is not within the council’s remit to say when this will be.’

The development, which was proposed eight years ago, finished construction last year but since Tolent fell into administration there have been metal bars all along the front of it. As it stands, no opening date has been confirmed.

Image: Jacob Diehl

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