News

University unveils new landmark development

(6 August 2008)

The first designs for a planned multi-million pound landmark development have been unveiled.

The proposed Gateway development – earmarked for land on the University’s Science Site, alongside Stockton Road, Durham – will be home to a new Law School and a centre for student services such as admissions, counselling, welfare and careers advice to enhance the experience of the University’s students. The main University Library, on Stockton Road, will be extended to allow the law library to be transferred from Palace Green. The development will also be home to the university’s new headquarters replacing its current administrative offices in Old Shire Hall, Old Elvet. 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, as well as being utilised for other cultural and academic activities. The reconfiguration of the library is linked to the development of a World Heritage Site Visitor Centre at 7 Owengate, which is being created by the University in partnership with Durham City Vision. The aim of the Visitor Centre is to make the World Heritage Site, which is owned and managed by the University and the Cathedral, more accessible and welcoming to the general public and tourists. 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 to complement the surrounding environment. It will also feature landscaping and a pedestrian promenade and courtyard areas. The mature trees in front of the entrance to the University Library will be retained and additional trees will be planted to enhance the area along Stockton Road. The University is working with City planners with the aim of construction work beginning by Spring 2010 for completion by Summer 2012. The University has also revealed plans for a comprehensive refurbishment of its Mountjoy estate, behind the main University Science Site, to take place between 2009 and 2010. The new-look Mountjoy will be reconfigured to house the remainder of the University’s administrative departments and additional parking provision will also be incorporated in the refurbishment programme. Other development projects already underway include the roll-out of a new, high-quality catering service across the University’s estate and a comprehensive overhaul of University signage. Further pedestrianisation and greening of the Science Site is also planned to tie-in with the Gateway proposals. Residents will be able to have their say on the designs through a series of meetings and by viewing the proposals at displays to be installed next month at Old Shire Hall. 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.” Earlier this year the University announced it would be leaving Old Shire Hall and 14 and 15 Old Elvet after selling the property to regional development agency One North East (ONE). 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. Neil Graham, One NorthEast Head of Regeneration North, said: “The Gateway scheme is a significant development for Durham University, enhancing university life for its students as well as being an important element in the regeneration of the historic city.” “We will continue working with our partners in Durham to ensure the unique character and beauty of Old Shire Hall is preserved in any future regeneration activity.” Durham City Vision, a joint initiative between Durham City Council, Durham County Council, ONE, 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. Harvey Dowdy, Regeneration Manager at Durham City Vision, said: “Durham University has a long and proud history, fully complemented by its innovative and modern thinking. The new Gateway will be an asset to both the university and the City and supports the regeneration objectives laid out in the Durham City Vision Masterplan.”