From M&S to STACK: The Changing Face of Silver Street in Durham
Silver Street in Durham is transforming with new businesses and a cultural hub on the horizon
Durham, UK, Silver Street, Retail, Independent Businesses, STACK Durham
Durham: Silver Street has seen a lot of changes over the years. It’s one of the busiest streets in the city, and its history is pretty fascinating.
Originally, it was called Smith Gate, named after the blacksmiths who worked there. The street was also home to a mint that printed coins for Durham, which is where it got its name.
But things have shifted a lot. M&S closed in 2018, and that really marked a turning point. Many other retailers struggled too, leading to a wave of shop closures.
At one point, Durham had the fourth highest rate of shop closures in the UK. It was tough, with 21 shops shutting down in just six months!
Now, things are looking up. Retail expert Graham Soult says the number of empty units is down to just a few. He’s been helping out since the pandemic and credits the rise of independent businesses for the turnaround.
Places like Moon Jewellery and Durham Ginstitute have moved into better spots, and they’re joined by brands like Grape Tree and Tortilla.
Excitingly, the former M&S building is set to become STACK Durham, a new entertainment and cultural hub. It’s a fresh start for Silver Street!
It’s interesting to look back at how the street has evolved and the retailers that have come and gone over the years.