Durham University has plans to teach 21,500 students

WE TAKE A LOOK AT HOW THIS WILL IMPACT THE CITY

Reporter DURHAM University is planning to increase its student numbers up to 21,500 by 2027 – a rise of 30%.

And, with the influx of students, both Durham University and private developers have taken the opportunity to increase bed space in the city.

Residents have called for the university to slow down its growth plan and fears have been raised the city will die because there are too many students.

So, we have taken a look at recent and pending plans for student accommodation in the city.

Durham University’s Sheraton Park has 400 self-catered bedrooms, and at its new Mount Oswald site there will be 1,000 student beds.

But, it is not just the university investing in student accommodation – there’s private developments popping up around the city.

Ernest Place recently opened and has 362 bedrooms, while Dun Holm House at The Riverwalk and Duresme Court on Neville’s Cross, are both due to open later this year.

And, smaller proposals could see former businesses, such as Saks Hairdressers, turned into apartments.

The former Post Office on Silver Street will be turned into 17 self-contained apartments. The university is investing £700m in its estate. As part of its 10-year strategy, the university is aiming to have half of its students living in college accommodation by 2027. It has relocated 1,700 students from Queen’s Campus, Stockton, to Durham city centre.

Jane Robinson, Chief Operating Officer of Durham University, said: “We want to work together with our partners and neighbours to ensure there is a positive environment for all who live and work in Durham City.

“We acknowledge we have more to do in this area and would encourage anyone with an interest in the future of Durham to share their comments and suggestions.”

In the wake of the death of student Olivia Burt, 21, who was crushed to death outside a Durham nightclub, there were calls to halt the influx of students.

Assistant Chief Constable Dave Orford, of Durham Constabulary, said: “Policing any university city brings