Unite Students has completed an upgrade to its purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) property in Durham.
The company improved and extended its 358-bedroom Rushford Court building, in partnership with Durham University, as part of a 40-year agreement.
A new two-storey hub has been constructed next to the existing property and consists of a common room with a cafe-bar, social space, reception and study space.
Work to the existing building includes new college staff offices, welfare and study spaces, as well as the reinstatement of the historic entrance. The former reception building has been transformed into a new gym and yoga suite.
New solar panels have been added to two of the accommodation blocks to improve the energy efficiency of the building.
“We’re delighted to deliver new facilities to enable Rushford Court to become Durham University’s newest college.
“This is an exciting milestone and allows us to strengthen our long-term partnership with the university, while also helping to free up privately rented homes in the city for families.
“I look forward to students and college staff enjoying the use of the building for many years to come.”
Tom Brewerton, Group Development Director, Unite Students
In unanimously approving the plans in 2023, members of Durham County Council’s planning committee said biodiversity and carbon reduction were both above and beyond the required levels, and Unite Students’ proposal reduced the pressure on local residents, and helped to free up privately rented homes in the community for families.
The property is now the temporary home of the University’s College of St. Hild and St. Bede, while the university looks at options to redevelop their historic home. In the longer term, the university is proposing to establish an 18th college at Rushford Court.
“The opening of the new building at Rushford Court enables the university to provide a home to our much-loved Hild Bede College, while we look at options to redevelop their historic home.
“We are pleased to continue our fantastic working relationship with Unite Students, with this new facility providing a flexible and versatile space to enable student led communities to grow and thrive, creating a college community environment from which both our current and future students will benefit.”
Jeremy Cook, Pro-Vice-Chancellor -Colleges and Student Experience, Durham University
