Muse to deliver first phase of Durham Innovation District

The first phase comprises the council-owned Aykley Heads site, which is currently home to the authority’s County Hall headquarters.

The 15-hectare site already has outline planning consent for 40,000 sq m of commercial space.

The council has issued a conditional award to us for a joint venture delivery partnership, which will act as a catalyst for the wider innovation district.

The 62-hectare innovation district is already home to several major businesses and institutions, including Durham University Business School.

The innovation district  is expected to become a regional hub for research, data science, fintech, green technology, and healthcare.

Subject to the execution of the joint venture agreement, Muse will work with the council to develop more detailed proposals.

Phil Mayall, managing director at Muse, said: “The Aykley Heads campus will act as the catalyst for this nationally significant opportunity which will leverage the long-term vision of the council and delivery capability of Muse, alongside the innovation pedigree of the university.

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to drive economic growth and job creation in County Durham and the North East.”

Councillor Amanda Hopgood, leader of Durham County Council, said: “It is a long-standing goal of ours to develop a Strategic Employment Site at Aykley Heads and progressing a joint venture delivery partnership with Muse shows we remain committed to fulfilling that ambition.

“Aykley Heads has the potential to deliver thousands of quality jobs for our residents and, together with other sites in the new Durham Innovation District, it can be a significant driving force for County Durham’s future economic growth, as well as that of the wider North East.”

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