Construction complete on £10m student scheme for East Durham College

Construction business Robertson has completed a new student development at East Durham College’s Houghall Campus.

Delivered on behalf of Buckinghamshire-based developer Jansons Property, the £10m three-storey scheme has created 198 en-suite bedrooms across a mix of clusters and studios.

The project also saw Robertson refurbish the Weardale Building, built in 1938, to add an extra 24 studio bedrooms.

It is part of East Durham College’s plan to modernise its facilities, bringing one of the site’s original student housing blocks back into use.

Work started on the multi-million pound development last May. Student accommodation provider Unite will own and manage the accommodation.

Robertson’s regional managing director, Garry Hope, said: “We’re delighted to have delivered a building that will greatly benefit students studying in and around Durham.

“Robertson has worked extremely hard to ensure that the accommodation has been completed to the highest standards and we hope the new facilities will provide an environment where students can relax, allowing them to focus on their studies and make the most of student life.”

Jansons Property, construction consultant at Paul Nash, said the firm is “delighted” to have completed its first student accommodation scheme in Durham, adding: “We were aware of Robertson’s track record and experience in this sector but it was their approach to delivery that set them apart on this project”.