Despite the recent closure of a number of businesses, the management of a leisure complex made of shipping containers says they are optimistic about the future of their project.
In 2020, Stack Seaburn opened close to Sunderland, and it plans to grow throughout the UK, including in Durham, Bishop Auckland, and Lincoln.
However, a number of businesses have left the original complex, leaving vacant spaces in the buildings.
The idea is still "successful," according to Stack executives.
It claimed that the complex, which is located on the seafront, received more than 700,000 visitors in 2017.
According to information provided to the BBC, at least four of the six businesses located in the complex's main units on the exterior have closed. Some have claimed that in light of the cost of living crisis, the site's configuration was "no longer financially viable.".
Numerous establishments have closed, including a cake shop, a café, a dog grooming parlor, a games room, and a street food vendor.
One company, Posh Street Food, claimed in a statement on its website that independent businesses were being "hugely impacted" by rising costs for utilities, ingredients, and packaging.
The Seaburn venue is made up of shipping containers with a plaza in the middle and several street food stalls inside.
The opening of permanent locations on Durham's Silver Street later this year and Bishop Auckland's Newgate Street in 2024 were both announced by Stack last year.
Additionally, Middlesbrough's pop-up venue was to be opened, it was announced.
Despite the recent closures, however, bosses claimed that the formula was proving to be "extremely successful" and that they had received "a large number of inquiries" for their other sites.
An official statement read: "We are looking to expand across the North East and beyond, so this is a very exciting time for the Stack brand.
It claimed that while the cost of living and economic climate had an impact on some businesses, tenants had been helped and rents had not increased.
A spokesperson stated: "As operators and landlords, we do everything we can to support our tenants, including spending heavily on marketing, events, and live entertainment to increase foot traffic.
"The empty units in front will allow us to grow YOLO Coffee and Kitchen, and they represent additional investment from Stack in the project.
We are also discussing potential opportunities for growth and relocation with our current traders to support their current business goals.
That might only leave it with one unit left to lease, it added.
