City unveils 'necklace' project

The project's organisers say they want to focus on Durham's beauty

A project is under way to open up Durham's riverside after the cathedral city was described as "beautiful but dull" in a recent report.

It is hoped the Durham Necklace scheme will open up pockets of land around the River Wear for local people and tourists alike.

Sites looped around the outskirts of the city will be linked with paths.

The Necklace is the first major idea to emerge from a public consultation about the future of Durham.

It is from this consultation that the "beautiful but dull" label originated.

Claire Lancaster, the Necklace Park manager, said she wanted to focus on the "beautiful" aspects of the city.

'Riverbank access'

She said: "A local resident coined the 'beautiful but dull' phrase during the consultation. What we're trying to do with the Necklace Park is build on the beautiful part.

"It will be aimed at attracting tourists - we're being honest about that - but the project is for local people too.

"We're hoping it will make access to the riverbanks easier and allow people to use walkways already there, but we also want to open up access to events happening along the river, rather than just walks."

Durham City Council has launched the Durham City 2020 Vision, which aims to help the city realise its potential while retaining its heritage.

The plan suggests a wide range of strategies including improving the range of shopping, extending employment opportunities, improving leisure and entertainment and developing iconic buildings and structures.