The Fellows’ Garden Arts, Culture and Heritage Project

Work has recently started on the Fellows’ Garden Arts, Culture and Heritage Project at Durham Castle. Situated between Durham Castle and Cosin’s Library, the Fellows’ Garden forms an integral part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Fellows’ Garden Development, which has been generously funded by University College alumni, will provide a purpose-built, outdoor performance space to support student enrichment and expand community engagement.

The north end of the Garden is to include a terraced stage area with a portable canopy in case of inclement weather and power installation to enable lighting. Movable seating, with under terrace storage, will be provided on a central grassed area with further seating included in a terraced ‘grand circle’ at the southern end of the garden. The performance space will be able to seat audiences of up to 100. Upon completion the Fellows’ Garden will be much more accessible with lift access and an accessible toilet facility included as part of the development. Beautiful references to Durham Castle’s rich history will be present throughout the Garden’s design, in features such as stonework and planting.

Undertaking a development in a UNESCO World Heritage Site inevitably presents challenges, yet University College Principal, Professor Wendy Powers, believes the additional opportunities presented by the Project are worthwhile. She said: “The Fellows’ Garden already provides a wonderful resource for our college community however the work which is now underway will increase its use in so many ways, not least in being able to welcome people from the wider community into the Garden. We are incredibly grateful to our alumni for their generosity and vision for this project.”