Durham University Business School: Waterside

Status: Refurbishment complete and Waterside now open

Durham University acquired the Waterside building in Durham City from Durham County Council on 31 October 2022 as a future location for our world-class Business School. This move ensures the continued growth and success of our Business School while bringing significant economic benefits to the city, county, and region.

Timeline

• The Waterside building was completed for Durham County Council in February 2022, provides approximately 10,000 sqm of accommodation.
• Initial staff engagement took place until September 2022.
• Durham University purchased the building in October 2022.
• The design phase included ongoing engagement from October 2022.
• The University Council approved the refurbishment business case in July 2023.
• Refurbishment work began in November 2023.
• The move from Mill Hill Lane took place in late summer 2024.

Latest update

A transformative step

The enhancement of our Business School facilities marks a transformative step, positioning us as a dynamic hub for entrepreneurship, innovation, and knowledge exchange. By collaborating more closely with local businesses and partners, we make a lasting impact within the region and beyond.

Enhanced facilities for our Business School students

Waterside now hosts all teaching for the MBA, DBA, and Executive Education programmes. All other students benefit from the new learning, teaching, and study spaces at Waterside, while other locations across our estate continue to be used for their teaching. Waterside provides accessible resources and study spaces for all Business School students.

Community activity

Overbury, our appointed contractor for the refurbishment of Waterside, worked with us to engage with the local community and foster future talent. This included hosting a Hoarding Design Competition for Graphic Design students from Durham Sixth Form Centre. The winning design, by Carrie Edwards, is now displayed on-site. Other collaborative social value activities included career advice sessions and various initiatives with our Volunteer Programme.

Read more about our Community Engagement Activities

Visiting the Waterside

Waterside, located in the heart of Durham City Centre on the banks of the River Wear, is now fully operational. All University staff are welcome to visit the building. It features a Riverfront Bistro and coffee facilities open to all staff, students, and the public. Further information on how to visit the Waterside is available on our website.