The number of empty shops in County Durham town centres has increased for the third year in a row.
Vacancy rates have risen in nine County Durham town centres to record an overall score of 19.1%, above the target of 13.9%.
Durham County Council said Peterlee, Bishop Auckland, and Newton Aycliffe continue to have the highest percentage of vacant units within County Durham.
With 40.8 per cent of shops currently empty, Peterlee once again recorded the worst rate in the region, rising from 38.4 per cent last year. Despite being anchored by national food retailer Asda and other retailers such as B&M and Boots, the non-retail offer within the town is limited, resulting in high vacancy rates.
The data from 2025 also shows the number of empty units in Bishop Auckland increased to 35.4 per cent.
Chester-le-Street, Crook and Spennymoor were the only two town centres where the number of empty shops decreased, while Shildon’s rate stayed the same.
Peterlee – 40.8 % (was 38.4)
Bishop Auckland – 35.4 % (was 32.1)
Newton Aycliffe – 26 % (was 25.2)
Shildon – 22.6 % (same)
Ferryhill – 22.2 % (was 20)
Stanley – 21.5 % (was 16.7)
Consett – 16.7 % (was 16.3)
Barnard Castle – 15.2 % (was 12.2)
Chester-le-Street – 13.8 % (was 14.4)
Durham City – 11.7 % (was 11)
Spennymoor – 10.6 % (was 12.6)
Crook – 8.8 % (was 8.9)
Seaham – 8.4 % (was 7.3)
New Government initiatives, such as its Pride in Place programme, aim to breathe new life into high streets and public spaces. A total of £20 million has been invested in Stanley, Peterlee, Crook and Tow Law.
Durham County Council is also supporting its town centres through various initiatives, including the Towns and Villages Programme and Targeted Business Improvement Scheme.
Last year, the local authority announced plans to trial new enforcement measures to tackle empty shops and improve high streets in Bishop Auckland and Stanley. Empty shops could be brought back into use through high street rental auctions.
Other council powers to tackle vacant buildings include compulsory purchase orders, demolition, or enforcement notices. Support from the local authority includes providing building owners with grants, interest-free loans, and training for new retail and hospitality businesses.
New strategic place plans are also being developed to provide a blueprint for future investment and development in town centres, shaped by local communities.
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