Mount Oswald site advances with new project

A new project at Durham’s Mount Oswald site is set to bring student housing and a convenience store to the city. 

Plans include a 3000sq ft Asda Express – the retailer’s first in Durham – alongside purpose-built student accommodation. 

Above the store, 93 studio apartments and shared flats will be created, designed by Newcastle-based Gradon Architecture. 

Meadowfield-headquartered Banks Property submitted the planning application last year, which has been given unanimous backing from Durham County Council’s planning committee.

Situated opposite South College and near the Howlands Park & Ride, the development forms part of Banks Group’s long-term plans for Mount Oswald, first approved over a decade ago. 

The site also includes luxury homes, with nine recently completed by Banks Homes at Symeon Court.

By completion, more than £4.2 million will have been invested in local infrastructure, including highway improvements, a new community building at Lowes Barns and additional classrooms at St Oswald’s Church of England and Durham St Margaret’s Primary schools.

John Ruddick, principal development manager at Banks Property, said: “The new student accommodation at Mount Oswald will help to meet a clear local need and will also help to reduce the pressure on the local housing market that is coming from properties being converted into houses of multiple occupation for students to use.

“We always envisaged this part of the Mount Oswald site as being perfect for retail use and had a lot of interest in it from many of the UK’s best-known retailers.

“Asda showed real enthusiasm for opening their first Durham City store at the Mount Oswald site from the off and we’re extremely pleased to be working with such a well-known and respected brand.”

Graham McDarby, managing director at Gradon Architecture, added: “We are proud to be playing a key role on the Mount Oswald site. 

“Currently working with Banks on several projects, this project showcases our architecture and experience in this sector and demonstrates our commitment to the region and our North East heritage, in addition to the range of diverse overseas projects we are currently working on. 

“This plot responds positively to the adopted Mount Oswald Durham Masterplan and provides a strong, high-quality gateway to the overall development, despite challenging topographical and ecological factors. 

“With over 16 years of industry experience in a range of sectors, the last few years have proved challenging for many businesses, including our own. 

“This project has been in the making for over three years and it is now extremely satisfying to see it coming to fruition, testament to the resilience of our own business and that of Banks. 

“We now look forward to seeing the project become reality on site.” 

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