Hat-trick of deals at Metrocentre’s Green Mall

Work has begun to transform a section of derelict land in the centre of Bishop Auckland as the town centre improvement programme takes shape.

The industrial-focused agency has hired Douglas Cranston as investment director.

Blackstone’s mega data centre has risen from the ashes of BritishVolt’s Northumberland dreams. What does the stalling EV revolution mean for the push for data centres? Plus: good news all around for Leeds offices and Newcastle BTR.

A 160,000 sq ft retail & leisure park will open in early summer in the County Durham town, with Reel Cinemas, The Range and PureGym among those preparing to join the already-open Popeyes.

Regional firm Homes by Carlton has acquired land for 48 houses in Staindrop, to be delivered in partnership with Karbon Homes’ joint venture funding arm Next Level Developments.

Previously based at Rotterdam House, the contractor has signed a 10-year lease with Praxis at the refurbished No.1 St James Gate.

Just two contenders will go up against incumbent Ben Houchen when a mayor is chosen for the region on Thursday 2 May.

A £10bn data centre campus could be built at Northumberland Energy Park, potentially netting £110m for the local authority while signalling the end of battery plant proposals. 

The national planning and development consultancy has made Newcastle-based Jonathan Wallace its chair, taking over from Justin Gartland.