Historic university plans major move

Aug 8 2008 by Neil Mckay, The Journal

A HUGE £60m redevelopment of Durham University will see a futuristic eco building built as a gateway to the city.

The plans could also see historic Shire Hall turned into a luxurious boutique hotel.

University bosses want their Gateway building to house 300 staff near its science base off Stockton Road.

A spokesman promised the building, which will boast eco-friendly green features, would be of “architectural significance.”

Changes planned across the university will also see departments moved away from the historic Palace Green site near the cathedral.

The law library will be moved out of the area to an extended main facility, also off Stockton Road, creating more space to display rare books and manuscripts in the centre of the city.

The reconfiguration of the library is also linked to the development of a World Heritage Site visitor centre at 7 Owengate in Palace Green.

University bosses are working with city planners with the aim of construction work beginning by spring 2010 for completion by summer 2012.

A spokesman for the university said yesterday: “The space generated in Palace Green library will be used to create better facilities for staff, students, visiting scholars and the general public to access the university’s important collections of rare books, manuscripts and artefacts.”

The Gateway development – earmarked for land on the university’s science site – will be home to a new law school and a centre for student services such as admissions, counselling, welfare and careers advice.

Professor Chris Higgins, Vice-Chancellor of Durham University, said: “The Gateway will be a landmark building for the university and the city, creating a sense of arrival for students, staff and visitors.

“It is to be a building of significant architectural merit, led by an innovative team of young, local architects. The development will continue Durham University’s tradition of providing top-class and architecturally striking facilities for staff, students and the city.

“The Gateway building will enhance the educational services and opportunities we offer students and staff, building on our research and teaching excellence as one of the UK’s leading universities.”

A university spokeswoman said: “The Gateway building will house approximately 300 members of staff and will be a building of architectural significance as well as being energy efficient and eco-friendly. It will also feature landscaping and a pedestrian promenade and courtyard areas.”

Earlier this year, the university announced it would be leaving its administrative headquarters at Old Shire Hall, Old Elvet, Durham, after selling the property to regional development agency One NorthEast.

The university is currently leasing the building back until the Gateway development is complete when ONE will sell the properties to a suitable organisation which will help to maintain the character of the area, perhaps converting the Grade II listed building into a boutique hotel.