The number of empty shops in County Durham town centres is at its highest ever rate, writes Local Democracy Reporter Bill Edgar, with Ferryhill identified as the town with the largest increase in vacancy rates.
Seven County Durham town centres have seen an increase in vacancy rates, recording an overall score of 18.3 per cent, above the national average of 14.
Durham County Council said Peterlee, Bishop Auckland, and Newton Aycliffe continue to have the highest percentage of vacant units within County Durham, while Barnard Castle, Consett, and Shildon have also seen a rise.
Meanwhile, Crook, Durham City, Seaham, and Spennymoor have seen the number of empty shops fall, with the biggest decrease in Crook.
Seaham continues to have the lowest vacancy rate in the county at just 7.2 per cent. The town is anchored by Asda and is also home to other national retailers in Byron Place shopping centre, as well as many independent cafes, bars and restaurants.
Along with Barnard Castle, Crook, Durham City and Spennymoor, the seaside town has a vacancy rate below the national average.
The latest figures were calculated after Durham County Council officers surveyed town centres in June and July 2024. The overall rate increased from 16 per cent in 2023.
A Durham County Council cabinet meeting was told that the local authority has introduced several schemes to improve town centres.
“Overall, vacancy rates are higher than we want them to be,” the meeting was told, “and we continue to support the increased vibrancy of our town centres through various initiatives including the Towns and Villages Programme and targeted business improvement schemes.
“Town centres in County Durham are following national trends as changes to retail habits – online and out-of-town centre shopping – become more popular options.
“Our Strategic Place Plans will provide the blueprint for future investment and development of town centres, all shaped by our local communities.”
A funding scheme to redevelop town centre properties and bring empty buildings back into use has been extended to improve Bishop Auckland.
More than £1 million in grant funding is available for owners and tenants as part of the Property Reuse Fund.
Bill Edgar
Reporter for the Local Democracy Reporter Service.
Ferryhill & Chilton's local community newspaper.
