Turner & Townsend (T&T) has been selected to help deliver two projects at Durham University.

The industry consultancy will work alongside architects Faulkner Brown, engineer Buro Happold, landscape architect LUC and planning consultant DPP One to help deliver a new teaching/learning centre, as well as a modern sports facility.

Both the projects form part of the Durham University Estate Masterplan 2017 – 2027 which provides a guide as to how the University might develop its estate over the long-term.

The first scheme includes creating a new 8,000 sq m Centre for Teaching and Learning at Lower Mountjoy. The modern facility will include lecture theatres, teaching rooms, seminar rooms, education labs for developing new teaching and training methods, student learning zones and catering facilities.

The building, which will also be capable of hosting academic conferences outside of term time, is scheduled to be completed by the 2019/2020 academic year.

The other scheme involves building the Maiden Castle Sports Park; a new 3G football/rugby pitch and two new water-based hockey pitches.


The existing building would be extended to include an indoor sports hall, cricket facility and indoor tennis courts. Work is scheduled for completion by autumn 2018.

Overall, T&T will deliver a full service for both schemes including project management and cost consultancy with overall responsibility for commissioning including architecture, landscaping, planning, civil & structural engineering, building services engineering, fire engineering, whole life costings and environmental assessment BREEAM.

David Gardner, Director for T&T, said: "We are thrilled to be working closely with Durham University to create high-value design solutions. The University is renowned for its world-class teaching and research, and we are delighted to support with the delivery of buildings and sport facilities.

"Our team not only has the strength and depth of experience but also the capability and capacity to deliver two large but distinct types of scheme concurrently.

"Our strong relationship with Durham University has meant we fully understand the sensitivities of carrying out major works and the potential impact on staff, students and the local community.  The big challenge is to continue to deliver cost-effective schemes."

Jane Robinson, Chief Operating Officer of Durham University, added: "We are very pleased to appoint Turner and Townsend and look forward to working with them on these very important projects.

"In order to continue to attract and retain high-calibre staff and students, Durham University needs to ensure that its excellent reputation for research, education and the student experience is matched by a high-quality estate.

"We encourage an open dialogue on our estate plans and are consulting thoroughly with our staff, students and the wider community to inform and shape our proposals."

A consultation on the two projects is running until Friday, 07 April. To view the proposals, visit here.

Image: CGI of Centre for Teaching and Learning.

(LM/MH)