Milburngate: Fire-proof paint fears delay opening of Durham site

The Milburngate development in Durham was constructed by Gateshead-based Tolent

A nearly-finished leisure complex is lying empty after the discovery of problems with its fire-proof paint.

Developer Arlington Richardson (AR) said the issues were found following a review of work completed by now-defunct Tolent at Durham's Milburngate development.

A 92-bedroom hotel and several restaurants are unable to open, despite some being fitted out.

The developer said it was "working at pace to deal with these issues".

Interpath Advisory, an administrator of Gateshead-based Tolent, declined to comment.

Premier Inn is currently unable to open its 92-bedroom hotel

AR told the BBC that the technical review of the works, which was carried out after the former construction company collapsed in February, had revealed the safety concerns.

They said this included the "incorrect thickness" of intumescent paint - a type of paint that expands many times its original size to delay the impact of fire - being applied on steel in parts of the complex.

AR has brought in external experts to carry out remedial work, but said it did not yet know when the works would be completed.

Durham County Council had also "challenged" some of the complex's original design leading to further delays, the developer said.

However, it declined to comment on what those design issues were, adding that those "matters are resolved", and was waiting for formal agreement before work can begin.

'We must prioritise safety'

"We are incredibly disappointed by the findings of the technical review," a spokesperson for AR said.

"This has caused our development to run late and is inconveniencing future occupiers and people in Durham. However, we must always prioritise safety."

Durham County Council said it was "disappointed with the progress at this site" and they were "aware of the concerns" raised.

A spokesperson said the development was not under the control of the council because it was "owned by a private company".

They said it was therefore the developer's responsibility to resolve the "issues arising from work carried out by contractor Tolent".

A spokesperson said: "The council has worked tirelessly to try and support the success of this scheme, and further information will be provided when it is available."

Brewdog Durham said delays to the opening were costing "hundreds of jobs"

Premier Inn and Everyman Cinema are among the business with leases and currently unable to open. A property developer also cannot open its already-built apartments.

Pub chain Brewdog signed a lease to open a unit in 2021, and boss James Watt said the local economy was "missing out" on "hundreds of jobs" due to the hold-ups.

Whitbread, which owns Premier Inn, said it was "in the same position" as Brewdog, adding they were waiting still for an update.

AR added: "Everyone can be assured that our team is working at pace to deal with these issues, and to deliver what will be a fantastic addition to Durham city centre."