Durham County Council in the UK has chosen Muse as its joint venture (JV) partner to initiate the first phase of the Durham Innovation District.
The initial phase involves the council-owned Aykley Heads site, which currently houses the authority’s County Hall headquarters.
Outline planning consent has already been granted for 40,000m² of commercial space at the 15-hectare (ha) site.
The council has issued a conditional award for a JV delivery partnership to Muse, which is anticipated to act as a catalyst for the broader Innovation District.
Spanning 62ha, the Innovation District is already a base for several businesses and institutions, including Durham University Business School.
This partnership is expected to bring together the university, industrial partners, and public and private sector investors to foster growth and innovation.
The public-private JV, bolstered by the university's support, is projected to generate thousands of new jobs in the region.
The Durham Innovation District is expected to become a regional hub for many sectors, including data science, green technology, and healthcare.
Following the execution of the JV agreement, Muse will collaborate with the council to develop more detailed proposals.
Muse managing director Phil Mayall said: "Durham County Council, supported by Durham University, has already developed an ambitious vision, and we are excited at the prospect of working in partnership to deliver the Durham Innovation District.
"The Aykley Heads campus will act as the catalyst for this nationally significant opportunity which will leverage the long-term vision of the council and delivery capability of Muse, alongside the innovation pedigree of the university.
"This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to drive economic growth and job creation in County Durham and the North East [of England]."
In November 2024, Muse reached an agreement with Solihull Council for the redevelopment of Mell Square, a central shopping area in Solihull, England.
Moreover, in a recent development, the Wolverhampton City Centre West regeneration scheme, led by the English Cities Fund, a JV that includes Muse, Homes England, and Legal & General, has received approval from the local planning authority.
