News

Historic city regeneration makes significant progress

(29 January 2008)

A £60M regeneration scheme in the heart of one of the North East’s most historic cities has been given a crucial boost.

The board of regional development agency One NorthEast has approved £4.24m of funding to acquire Old Shire Hall and 14 and 15 Old Elvet, both strategically important adjacent sites in the heart of Durham City. Both sites are currently used by Durham University. As part of the investment, a key strand of the ambitious Durham City Vision project, the university would then lease the buildings back from One NorthEast while it takes forward its proposed £60m. Gateway programme, including the new Durham University headquarters on Stockton Road in Durham. Ed Rowley, Acting Director of Regeneration at One NorthEast, said: “The importance of this funding to the long-term regeneration plans for Durham cannot be underestimated. Without this funding, Durham University would not be able to progress its Gateway programme, and that would jeopardise the wider regeneration of Durham which is identified in the Durham 2020 Vision Masterplan. “These are really exciting times for Durham. The City is already considered to be one of the jewels in the region’s crown and I’m certain the masterplan will ensure it achieves its full potential, putting it at the forefront of the region’s economic development.” Durham City Vision, a joint initiative by the City of Durham Council, Durham County Council, One NorthEast, Durham University, Durham Cathedral Chapter and the North East Chamber of Commerce, aims to transform the centre of Durham by making the most of its cultural and historic assets whilst creating a vibrant city centre economy. Once the University vacates Old Shire Hall and 14 and 15 Old Elvet, the intention is that One NorthEast will enter into back to back disposal of the properties to a suitable private sector developer who will lead on the plans to create a boutique hotel, apartments or modern offices. Harvey Dowdy, Regeneration Manager of Durham City Vision said: “We are delighted to receive this important funding boost which will kick start the regeneration of these key City centre locations. This is yet another exciting step in the realisation of the Durham City Vision Masterplan that continues to see Durham fulfilling its potential as a fantastic place to visit, work, live and study.” Durham University’s Gateway programme will cost around £60m in total, and includes a new £20m university headquarters and student services building, a £15m law building and a £15m extension of the University’s main library. Once completed, this will then allow the law library to be transferred from Palace Green, creating space for future developments linked to the World Heritage Site. Professor Chris Higgins, Vice Chancellor of Durham University, said: “We are determined that our Gateway programme will continue the University’s tradition of architectural excellence. We will be consulting widely to ensure that our new buildings reflect the values of the university and the city. “Old Shire Hall is a wonderful building but simply does not work as a headquarters for a leading University. We are pleased that One NorthEast is working with the University to preserve this part of Durham’s wonderful heritage.” Once the University vacates Old Shire Hall and 14 and 15 Old Elvet, expected to be in the summer of 2012, a marketing campaign will be immediately undertaken to attract a suitable development partner to redevelop the properties.