Salmon Bars Ltd has acquired the waterside leisure unit from the developers of Freemans Reach in Durham City and will use the space to create a cosmopolitan bar and eatery at the riverside.
Scheduled to launch in August, doors will open at 7:30am to serve breakfast and will close late in the evening, offering the city a brand new all day casual dining experience.
Salmon Bars Ltd, which trades from a number of sites throughout the North East, was chosen as the preferred operator of the 1,540 sq ft building with river terrace by the developers after careful consideration of several strong proposals.
Freemans Reach is a strategic regeneration project in the heart of Durham, which secured over 1,000 valuable jobs in the city centre by providing high quality, sustainable offices for National Savings and Investments (NS&I) and Her Majesty’s Passport Office (HMPO).
Freemans Reach has also acted as the catalyst for a major programme of renewal on the riverside by the development consortium. As a result of NS&I and HMPO relocating from Milburngate House to Freemans Reach, the next stage will be the transformation of the Milburngate site into a premium development featuring homes, offices, restaurants and a boutique cinema.
Andy Maher, Director at Salmon Bars Ltd, said: “We’re delighted to have been selected as the operator at Freeman’s Reach; it’s a fantastic location and great opportunity right in the heart of this beautiful and historic city. Our bar and restaurant will add further to the quality of offer available in Durham, which already has a vibrant social scene”.
Allan Cook, Managing Director of Arlington Real Estate, said: “The Bar & Cafe at Freemans Reach, together with the high quality public realm and new riverside walk has created a new place in the City. Having seen their plans for the site I’m sure it will be enjoyed by locals and visitors to the city alike.”
Cllr Neil Foster, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economic regeneration and culture, said: “Freemans Reach has already completely rejuvenated a major part of the riverside as well as meaning vital jobs have been kept in Durham City. With even more improvements to come on the other side of the river, we’re delighted to welcome Salmon Bars Ltd to what we’re sure will be a hugely successful and totally transformed area of the city.”