In time for the new academic year, a £4.7m refurbishment project at Durham University’s Trevelyan College has completed, transforming three accommodation blocks into modern, energy-efficient living spaces for almost 100 students.

We served as Lead Consultant, Architect and Principal Designer BR and CDM on the project. Our scheme saw the renovation of 86 bedrooms, ensuites and lounge areas, an IT Suite, and 13 shared kitchen and dining areas. Seven twin bedrooms were also reconfigured into single occupancy rooms. Upgrades began in December last year to Blocks B, C and D, and were carefully planned to minimise disruption to the live campus.

Original 1960s interiors were stripped and replaced with high quality, modern furniture, fixings and finishes. A key focus of this was enhancing the College’s unique under-one-roof layout, with upgraded corridors featuring new ceilings, lighting and carpeting to better connect facilities and refresh the overall look and feel.

Energy performance was also improved, with all windows and doors replaced, thermal upgrades made to the building fabric, and additional insulation. These measures will reduce running costs for the College while supporting Durham University’s wider sustainability goals.

Alex Proctor, Project Partner at GSS, said: “Our well-established relationship with both Durham University and main contractor Robertson has been key to the successful delivery of this project. Together, we’ve created a modern and comfortable living environment that reflects Trevelyan College’s values and supports student wellbeing.”

Professor Adekunle Adeyeye, Principal of Trevelyan College, Durham University, commented: “This recent refurbishment project has been transformational for Trevelyan College and is already having significant positive impacts on our student experience. We are delighted with the modernisation and improvements to our accommodation and communal facilities. This major project will benefit current and future generations of students and will enhance various aspects of college life.”

Neil Kennedy, Regional Managing Director, Robertson Construction North East, expressed: “It is great to be back on campus at Durham to deliver improved spaces that will both reduce running costs for the University and enhance student experience.

We worked closely with project partners and the University to mitigate disturbance to campus life and keep students informed every step of the way as we delivered this high-quality refurbishment.

Having worked with all five North East universities, we recognise the fundamental role these institutions play in shaping the future, and we take immense pride in supporting their own unique estate visions.”

We share a longstanding relationship with Durham University built on an understanding of each other’s objectives and working practices, consistently delivering high-quality projects. Our collaboration continues with multiple ongoing developments across Durham University’s campus.