Agreement propels Durham innovation hub

A North East development has taken a key step forward as partners work to advance plans for a new innovation district in Durham City.

Muse, Durham County Council and Durham University have signed a collaboration agreement to accelerate progress at Aykley Heads, one of the central sites within the emerging Durham Innovation District. 

The agreement outlines how the partners will work together to deliver the project and support the district’s continued growth.

Located close to transport links and the historic city centre, Aykley Heads already has planning permission for 40,000sq metres of office space and sits alongside established organisations including Durham University Business School, the North East Chamber of Commerce, Durham Constabulary and Waterstons. 

The Rivergreen Centre is also being refurbished as the council’s new headquarters as part of the wider transformation of the area.

Phil Mayall, managing director at Muse, said: “County Durham already has a strong innovation ecosystem and this has been bolstered further with recent Government backing to create an AI Growth Zone in the North East region. 

“Aykley Heads will provide a high-quality environment to encourage the growth of existing businesses and attract others to the region.

“It will also help to balance out the city core by revitalising the area, creating a vibrant and exciting new employment destination. 

“Durham County Council and ourselves are incredibly proud to have signed the agreement with Durham University and look forward to progressing this shared long-term vision together.”

The new public-private partnership is expected to create thousands of jobs and attract major investors, positioning the district as a nationally significant hub for research, innovation and enterprise. 

Backed by the North East mayor Kim McGuinness and the North East Combined Authority, the district has received £9.2 million to support economic growth and strengthen Durham’s role within the wider region.

Councillor Andrew Husband, leader of Durham County Council, added: “The signing of the agreement is a major step forward and demonstrates the momentum we are building. 

“Aykley Heads will deliver thousands of quality jobs for our residents and will be a significant driving force for County Durham’s future economic growth, as well as that of the wider North East.

“We’re really excited to be working with a world leading research institution in Durham University and Muse – with its impressive development track record. 

“Add in the financial backing of the North East Combined Authority and what we have here is a powerful combination that will act as that important catalyst for future growth.”

Professor Karen O’Brien, vice-chancellor of Durham University, added: “The development of Aykley Heads and the Durham Innovation District is a unique opportunity to catalyse inclusive, innovative and sustainable growth in our region, by attracting new investment and creating new, high-quality jobs.

“We look forward to working with Durham County Council to ensure our communities benefit most from this nationally significant project.”

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