Estates

Estate Strategy and Planning

 Executive Summary

The next five years are expected to be a period of great stringency so the Estate Strategy for the period 2010 to 2015 has been developed to meet this challenge whilst responding to the aims of new University Strategy for 2010 to 2020.  Funding is going to be become ever tighter so it will be necessary for the University to make greater use of its existing space by improved utilisation, achieve an affordable estate by rationalisation and become sustainable by reducing energy consumption.  The University Strategy is based on anticipated growth in student numbers by approximately seven hundred during the first five year period. Growth, primarily in postgraduate students, will be accommodated by the completion of the Gateway Programme and effective use of existing space.

The Estate Strategy highlights the importance of sustainabilityand focuses on efficient use of existing academic accommodation. The new HEFCE model, 'An Affordable Estate' will be developed specifically for Durham University, identifying the in-balances of space between departments and where adjustments can be made to improve utilisation and rationalisation.

The key themes of the new Estate Strategy are:

  • improvement in space usage;

  • focus on spatial environment to facilitate learning and research;

  • reduction of carbon emissions to meet Government targets;

  • flexible design of accommodation.

The Estate Strategy emphasises the need to dispose of surplus land and buildings, improve the condition of the Estate, optimise building utilisation and ensure buildings are fit for purpose.