Everyman launches recruitment drive

Everyman has launched a recruitment drive for its brand-new cinema at Milburngate, Durham City’s landmark living, work and leisure destination.

About 45 jobs are being created at the luxury cinema, which is due to open by the end of the year, and will include team members, chefs and management roles.

With 38 locations nationwide, Everyman is one of the most innovative cinema operators in the UK, offering guests a high quality, and service-driven movie experience. Its venues feature distinctive and stylish sofa and armchair seating, a licensed bar, food, table service, digital projection and surround sound technology.

As well as showcasing the latest movie releases, it will offer a broad programme of films, including niche screenings, and special events comprising film festivals, seasons and live Q&As.

The recruitment drive is being led by Ferne Stephenson, who has been appointed as general manager of its new Durham venue.

Ferne, who has worked for Everyman for three-and-a-half years starting as assistant manager at Newcastle and then manager at York and Liverpool, said: “It’s great to be at the forefront of recruiting a new team for the Everyman in Durham.

“We’ve got an incredibly strong culture within the business, so we’re looking for individuals who will be passionate about and committed to the Everyman ethos of creating something special that offers luxury and style. Our recruitment focuses very much on personality as the Everyman brand is all about an exceptional customer experience and service. Hospitality experience may be an advantage but is not essential.”

Milburngate, which is a joint venture between Arlington Real Estate and Richardson, will, alongside the cinema, a 93-bed hotel and a range of premium restaurants and bars, also feature 153 built-to-rent apartments and contemporary, flexible grade A office space.

Allan Cook, founder of Arlington Real Estates, said: “The Everyman brand is renowned for its sumptuous venues with sofa-style seating and for providing customers with a high-quality experience including being able to enjoy a glass of wine and food while they watch a film.

“It is fantastic to see the cinema’s development enter its next crucial stage with the search beginning for staff to support what, we are confident, will become a leading leisure destination for Durham.”

Simon Eastwood, real estate director at Richardson, said: “The Everyman cinema perfectly complements the regeneration and renaissance of Milburngate in the heart of one of the country’s most prestigious and historic cities.

“The special appeal of Everyman’s style and polish will attract people from the local community and much further afield.”

For more details about the Everyman Durham vacancies visit their website here.

Milburngate apartments launched!

Milburngate is delighted to launch ‘The Gardens’, a brand new, vibrant, build-to-rent community of 153 apartments, set across a trio of buildings, located in Durham City’s Northern Quarter on the banks of the River Wear.

The studio, one, two and three bedroom apartments are surrounded by a thriving new neighbourhood of places to eat, drink, shop and play by the river.

The apartments, which are furnished and fully kitted out to the highest spec, will be available for move ins from January 2023.

Residents can choose from a variety of different floorplans, inclusive of duplex and loft style apartments, as well as river or Durham skyline views.

Amenities and services in residents monthly rental include; rooftop terraces, communal gardens, an onsite team, pet-friendly living and more.

Residents of the Gardens will join a vibrant new community in the heart of Durham that already includes a boutique Everyman cinema, and premium hospitality venues such as BrewDog and Bar + Block.

Developed in partnership between Arlington Real Estate and Richardson, Milburngate is the North East’s newest live, work, leisure destination.

The apartments are being operated by Native Residential, one of the fastest growing independent third-party BTR operators in the UK.

With a mission to create communities with soul, their portfolio includes schemes in prime locations like Birmingham, Leeds, London, Manchester and Milton Keynes.

Colleen McCaughey, Community Manager at The Gardens said, "The Gardens reflects a new vision of rental living where residents can truly live amongst it all. In addition to living in an outstanding, accessible location, The Gardens brings together an array of services, amenities and community experiences that create truly soulful living."

Allan Cook, Founder of Arlington Real Estate, said, "The Gardens is at the very core of Milburngate, both in terms of its location, but also as a place that will be the beating heart of this new riverside community. It has been designed to complement and integrate into the other aspects of Milburngate, providing the highest quality new homes in this stunning historic, yet forward looking city."

Bookings for viewings can be made now at www.thegardensmilburngate.co.uk.

BrewDog heads to Milburngate in Durham city centre

Milburngate has confirmed it has reached agreement with BrewDog for the premium operator to open a venue at Durham’s brand-new riverside destination.

Marking the world-renowned craft brewer’s entrance into Durham’s hospitality market, the bar will take a prime position at Milburngate overlooking the River Wear and the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The 3,736 sq ft unit includes a large outdoor seating area with uninterrupted views of Durham Cathedral and Castle and along the city’s picturesque riverside.

Currently with 67 UK locations, in addition to bars in more than 20 countries including United States, Spain, Germany, Italy, Australia and Sweden, Milburngate is part of BrewDog’s continued expansion with a further dozen in the pipeline.

Further details of the bar, which will include BrewDog’s eponymous range of craft beers and high-quality food, will be announced in the coming months ahead of an opening date that will be announced soon.

BrewDog joins other premium brands that have chosen Milburngate including the boutique cinema chain, Everyman, and steak restaurant Bar + Block. They will take their places alongside a flagship 93-bed Premier Inn hotel. Further occupiers are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

Phase one of Milburngate will be completed in the autumn and will establish the riverside development as a landmark live, work and leisure destination. Developed by a joint venture between Arlington Real Estate and Richardson, Milburngate will also feature 153 built-to-rent apartments and contemporary, flexible Grade A office space.

Allan Cook, Managing Director of Arlington Real Estate, said: We're delighted to have secured another premium brand like BrewDog at Milburngate. The quality of the scheme, its riverside location and access to a thriving social scene in Durham are just some of the reasons it chose to locate here. It's a perfect fit for Milburngate and its arrival will certainly bring something new and fresh to the city that will attract both local people and visitors from across the region.”

Simon Eastwood, Real Estate Director at Richardson, said: “BrewDog is a highly sought-after brand that will be very much at home at Milburngate. Securing BrewDog as one of our anchor occupiers demonstrates the ambition we have for Milburngate as a major destination that will enhance the economic and social prosperity of the area.”

Tower crane removal marks significant milestone

The landmark regeneration of Durham’s former passport office has reached a significant milestone with the removal of the site’s largest tower crane.

At over 53m tall, the Saex S-65 crane is three times taller than the Angel of the North and has been an impressive sight on the Durham City skyline since its installation in February 2020.

The crane has played a pivotal role in the construction phase supporting the distribution of materials across the six-acre site in, what the project management team has described as, a game of logistical chess.

The removal operation spanned a five-day period to remove the crane requiring careful coordination with Met Office weather warnings with Storm Dudley and Eunice threatening to wreak havoc across the region.

Due for completion in second quarter 2022, Milburngate Phase 1 will provide 153 built-to-rent apartments, boutique cinema, a 93-bed flagship Premier Inn Hotel along with premium bars and restaurants such as Bar + Block and 53,701sq ft. of much-needed Grade A office space within One Milburngate, which will help attract up to 400 jobs to the centre of Durham City.

Construction works are being managed by Gateshead-based contractor Tolent who have been responsible for some of the region’s most famous landmarks.

Michael Rutherford, Contracts Manager for Tolent, said: “Following the removal of the tower crane, the area has taken a significant step forward and is beginning to transform from a construction site into the landmark destination that it will soon become. Whilst externally the site is well developed with all blocks now at full height and external facades almost complete; internal works are progressing at pace to ensure all buildings are ready for occupants and the wider public.

“The finished product will be a celebration of the skills and experience we have in the region and a demonstration of the ability of local companies to deliver large regeneration projects without reliance on national corporations. The outcome provides a direct benefit to the region, driving local investment and social value through all tiers of the supply chain.”

Milburngate is being developed by a joint venture partnership between Arlington Real Estate and Richardson, supported by a £120 million forward funding commitment from LaSalle Investment Management.

Allan Cook, Managing Director of Arlington Real Estate, said: “The removal of the tower crane brings the transformation of Durham’s riverside a step closer. Phase 1 of Milburngate will enhance Durham’s economic, social and cultural ambitions helping to attract premium occupiers, businesses, new residents and visitors to our area. This is an exciting time as we near the completion of this landmark destination and embark on the development of phase 2, which will bring more value to investment to Durham.”

Waddington Street Centre hits £40k minibus target

The Waddington Street Centre is celebrating the arrival of its new minibus, after it hit its 40th anniversary year fundraising target.

The Durham City-based independent North East mental health charity aimed to raise £40,000 to mark its fourth decade of offering a wide range of informal educational activities and support services based on individual needs and aspirations.

As a result of hitting its target, the centre has purchased a 17-seater Ford Transit minibus from First Class Commercials Ltd, based in Birtley, which will allow its team to organise a range of activities and trips around the North East for its members.

Throughout 2021, the centre held a range of fundraising activities, including a triathlon in Seaham, which raised more than £1,200, raffles, a pre-loved sale and a bake sale with a pop-up street café.

The Waddington Street Centre also received significant donations from businesses and organisations, including the Milburngate development on Durham City’s riverside, which has selected the centre as its chosen charity.

The centre was also the official charity of Lumiere in 2021 and received a donation of more than £5,000 raised at the light festival’s gala dinner.

Ali Lee, Centre Manager, said: “Our new minibus is really important to all of our members and we’re really pleased to receive the keys. The last couple of years have further highlighted that isolation and not having the opportunity to travel, even locally, can affect our mental health. The minibus will allow us to provide activities that boost wellbeing by visiting some of the amazing places the North East has to offer.

“We’re extremely grateful for all of the donations, including Milburngate and Lumiere, for their support and generosity in allowing us to raise enough money to buy the minibus.”

Allan Cook from Arlington Real Estate, which is developing Milburngate in a joint venture with Richardson, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to help the Waddington Street Centre hit its fundraising target to enable it to purchase the new minibus to mark its 40th anniversary, which I am sure will make a huge difference to the range of activities and services it provides in the community.

“The Waddington Street Centre does brilliant work in Durham and the surrounding area to support mental health and we wish the centre and its members well in their travels around the region.”