STACK Scraps Its Plans for Durham's Former M&S on Silver Street

Update, 1 November 2026: STACK has confirmed it will no longer go ahead with STACK Durham, as reported by Place North East and Durham OnAir. This article originally reported, in September, that work was under way on the venue. It has been rewritten to reflect the current position.

The street-food venue planned for the former Marks & Spencer on Silver Street will not happen. STACK Leisure announced in October that it has shelved its plans for Durham, along with a planned site in Whitley Bay.

What was planned

The scheme, approved by Durham County Council in 2023, would have turned the empty store into a multi-level venue with street-food outlets, bars, a coffee shop and a rooftop terrace. Work had begun on site with asbestos removal and stripping out the interiors, but the opening date slipped several times and little visible progress followed. Earlier this year, City of Durham MP Mary Foy described the project as a "white elephant".

Why STACK pulled out

STACK pointed to unexpected development costs, slow progress through planning and legal processes, infrastructure requirements and wider pressures on the hospitality industry. Chief executive Neill Winch said the company did not want to keep holding back regeneration and investment, and that stepping aside would allow alternative providers to come forward. STACK has said the decision does not rule out a return to Durham in future, and its separate venue in Bishop Auckland is unaffected.

What happens to the building now

No replacement scheme for the building has been confirmed. Durham County Council has said it remains committed to supporting investment in the city centre, including Silver Street, and will keep working with partners on the future of the site.

Best for: We will report on any new plans for the former M&S as soon as they are confirmed.

In the meantime, there is no shortage of places to eat in the city. See our guides to the best pizza in Durham and date night in Durham.