Historic Durant Hall set for ‘new chapter’

A historic Newcastle building is set for a “new lease of life” as an education and learning centre following planning approval for its transformation.

Durant Hall, part of the Art Deco Unitarian Church of the Divine Unity, will be redeveloped by Northumbria University to support guest lectures and staff workspaces. 

The Grade II-listed hall, on Ellison Place, which has suffered years of decline, will be upgraded with improved accessibility, new entrances and ten cycle stands.

Hedley Planning secured listed building consent for the redevelopment, which includes careful restoration of the roof, brickwork and windows, as well as the removal of dated features.

Alex Franklin, director of Hedley Planning, who gained planning approval from Newcastle City Council’s planning committee, said: “This is another successful regeneration story that injects a new lease of life into an important city centre location and heralds the opening of a new chapter in this building’s use.

“As planners, we are able to make a valuable contribution to our clients’ plans and design ambitions, reducing the likelihood of objections on heritage grounds and in doing so, helping to transform historic properties such as Durant Hall and others across the city for future generations to enjoy.”

Built in the 1930s, the church was the third home for Newcastle’s Unitarian congregation and is one of the city’s few examples of ecclesiastical Art Deco architecture. 

The revitalised hall is expected to open by late 2025.

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