Empty shops in County Durham rise for third year

1 hour ago

Bill Edgar,Local Democracy Reporting Serviceand

Tom Burgess,North East and Cumbria

News image — Bishop Auckland (pictured), along with Peterlee and Newton Aycliffe, continues to have one of the highest percentage of vacant units

LDRS Bishop Auckland high street has a few people walking up it in the sun. The shop closest is The Works on the left side of the street with Newcastle Building Society next along. — Bishop Auckland (pictured), along with Peterlee and Newton Aycliffe, continues to have one of the highest percentage of vacant units

The number of empty shops in County Durham's town centres has increased for the third year in a row.

Vacancy rates have risen in nine areas to record an overall score of 19.1%, above a target of 13.9%.

Durham County Council said Peterlee, Bishop Auckland and Newton Aycliffe continue to have the highest percentage of vacant units within the county, but it was working to regenerate its high streets.

Rachel Anderson, assistant director of policy at the North East Chamber of Commerce, said high streets were continuing "to face significant pressure".

"We recognise that some councils have taken positive steps by identifying long-term vacant premises and working constructively with landlords," she said.

"We would encourage councils across our region to take a proactive and collaborative approach to regeneration with businesses, landlords and communities to ensure towns and city centres remain vibrant and commercially viable."

Seaham reported the lowest percentage of empty shops, with the town council believing it was down to the community coming together at more events.

Mayor Margaret Levitt said: "Although we have the same challenges that other towns have and are affected by similar things, we and the community seem to fight back very well and come together when needed."

Levitt highlighted how the town was increasing free public events amid cutbacks elsewhere.

Graham Wood, Durham County Council's economic development manager, said a lot of hard work was taking place to regenerate high streets.

"Town centres across the country are facing many challenges due to the changing shopping habits of residents and the continued pressure from online retail, which is undoubtedly having an effect on the number of empty shops," he said.

"We will continue to work closely with owners of vacant retail units to discuss their plans for the properties along with steps they are taking to secure tenants or explore alternative uses."

Seaham Town Council A view of the coastline at Seaham and some of the houses of the town. The water is a deep blue and it is sunny. — Seaham Town Council has been trying to hold more events

Here is a breakdown of the percentage of empty shops in County Durham towns (data from 2025):

Peterlee – 40.8 % (was 38.4%)

Bishop Auckland – 35.4 % (was 32.1%)

Newton Aycliffe – 26 % (was 25.2%)

Shildon – 22.6 % (same)

Ferryhill – 22.2 % (was 20%)

Stanley – 21.5 % (was 16.7%)

Consett – 16.7 % (was 16.3%)

Barnard Castle – 15.2 % (was 12.2%)

Chester-le-Street – 13.8 % (was 14.4%)

Durham City – 11.7 % (was 11%)

Spennymoor – 10.6 % (was 12.6%)

Crook – 8.8 % (was 8.9%)

Seaham – 8.4 % (was 7.3%)

New government initiatives, such as its Pride in Place programme, aim to breathe new life into high streets and public spaces.

A total of £20m has been invested in Stanley, Peterlee, Crook and Tow Law.

Durham County Council is also supporting its town centres through various initiatives, including the Towns and Villages Programme and Targeted Business Improvement Scheme.

Last year, the Reform UK-led local authority announced plans to trial new enforcement measures to tackle empty shops and improve high streets in Bishop Auckland and Stanley.

Empty shops could be brought back into use through high street rental auctions.

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