Structural issues halt 'funding gap' venue build
StackThe construction of a live music, food and drink venue has been halted amid structural issues and funding problems.
Plans for a Stack complex in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, were approved in March 2023 but the development has been repeatedly delayed.
According to Stack's CEO, movement has been spotted in a building close to the site and work has stopped to allow investigation and monitoring.
The developers say they "remain fully committed" to opening the Newgate Street site.
Durham County Council said it would work with them to ensure all issues are resolved.
'Cost pressures'
Stack's owners said the latest hold-up is not down to money issues, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
CEO Neill Winch said: "We remain fully committed to bringing Stack to Bishop Auckland and are actively working to close a funding gap to ensure the successful delivery of the project.
"Our decision to temporarily pause work on-site is unrelated to this funding matter.
"The pause is due to movement detected in a building adjacent to the Stack site, which is currently being propped up. As a precaution, we have stepped back while the situation is monitored."
He added work would resume "as soon as it has been established that there is no further movement" and the site is deemed safe.
Graham Wood, interim head of inclusive growth and partnerships at the county council, said: "We are aware that there are ongoing cost pressures with the development, as with all construction projects, and we will be working closely with the developers to ensure the project is completed."
Stack currently operates venues in Newcastle, Seaburn and Middlesbrough, with plans to open in Durham City.