Unite Students has secured planning approval to improve and extend Rushford Court in Durham.

In an extension to the partnership between the two organisations, Rushford Court will initially become the temporary home of the university’s College of St Hild and St Bede. Longer term, it is intended that it will provide the university with a new 18th college.

The historic building will be upgraded to provide student and staff facilities including college staff offices, welfare, study spaces, and a new building will house common rooms, study areas and a bar, in addition to the facilities already on offer at the property.

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Plans to develop the restored Victorian former hospital, in North Road, which has 348 bedrooms and currently boasts an on-site gym, cinema room, and games area, were approved unanimously by Durham County Council’s planning committee on Thursday (30th March).

Work, in partnership with Durham University, to upgrade the property will begin this summer. Unite Students will continue to operate the building while work is carried out, with residents staying at the property.

A new two-storey amenity hub will be built in front of the current building and external alterations – including reinstating the historic entrance and new landscaping – will be carried out in 2024 before being handed over for university use.

Tom Brewerton, Group Development Director at Unite Students, said: "It's great that Durham County Council has recognised the benefits of this plan to upgrade Rushford Court. We’re proud to be working in partnership with Durham University on this project, which we hope will lead to the creation of a university college. We’re pleased to be able to support Durham University in this way and look forward to continuing to work closely together going forward and strengthening our partnership."