The scheme is the final stage of a develop project in the Mount Oswald area of Durham city.
The development will have hundreds of office spaces, residential homes, community building, and retail sites, including an Asda Express.
The 93-bed student properties will be build opposite two John Snow and South colleges.
via Banks Group
According to the developers, Banks Group, the development will see 290 new homes and 985 new student bedrooms overall. It will also see 0.8 kilometres of cycle paths and over eight acres of public, open space.
According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, work is set to begin later this year and Asda is likely to open a convenience store as part of the development.
This development comes after local campaigners called for stricter planning powers to ensure residential homes are not made into HMOs (houses in multiple occupation).
Banks Group previously said the student housing would “meet the needs of Durham University”.
However, Jonathon Elmer, Green Party councillor for Durham County Council’s Brandon, reflected on the “astonishing” price of the accommodation, and called for it to be more affordable.
He said: “It’s a shame that the cost of these rooms means this student accommodation is targeted at the wealthier students.” Before calling for “more affordable accommodation somewhere in the city.” However, he did agree that “the fact this is happening will hopefully reduce the conversion of family homes to HMOs.”
David Freeman, Liberal Democrat councillor for Elvet, Gilesgate, and Shincliffe, said: “It will be very welcomed by students but also residents in Mount Oswald and the Merryoaks estates and will benefit residents who don’t have to drive somewhere else to do their shopping.”
Featured image via BBC (Gradon Architecture)
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