Savills has assisted Durham University in obtaining planning consent that will enable the Waterside building in Durham City to be used for higher education
The consented change of use, which was secured with support from Savills, will likely facilitate the delivery of a new and improved home for Durham University Business School (DUBS) adjacent to the River Wear.
Whilst the building was only recently completed in 2021 with the intention for occupation by Durham County Council, a change in governance has resulted in a review of the proposed relocation of Council operations and this planning consent represents the next step toward a potential sale of the building to Durham University. The original consent for the building included the undertaking of an Environmental Impact Assessment due to its riverside location and proximity to Durham City World Heritage Site.
Martin Bonner, associate director in the Planning team in Newcastle, says: “We’re delighted to have been able to assist Durham University in obtaining a planning consent that could see the building soon become the new home of the world class Durham University Business School which will cater to students across the globe. Having obtained consent for the building itself back in 2019, this was a site and City that we knew very well which assisted in discussions with consultees, including the Environment Agency, regarding the proposed change of use . This is a really positive development not just for the University but for the local economy too.”
BiGGAR Economics and the University reported as part of the planning application that ‘by investing in a new site in central Durham, DUBS will have the opportunity to enhance its competitiveness, retain and attract high quality staff and increase its income and so, by 2031/32, the economic impact of the Business School could increase to £111.2 million GVA and 770 jobs in County Durham’.