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Science & Technology enlightens you with 750s in science
Sir Harold Evans talks about Palatinate in the 1950s as we celebrate 750 editions
SciTech, pages 16-17
Editorial, page 2
No. 750
www.palatinate.org.uk
Palatinate Durham’s student newspaper since 1948
Thursday 14th March 2013 | FREE
Durham University is looking to acquire the Three Tuns, with the site’s potential to increase student numbers in the city Photograph: Nicoletta Asciuto
University poised to buy Three Tuns James Ablett Durham University is in talks to buy the Three Tuns Hotel, a move likely to expand college residential numbers in Durham City. The University’s acting registrar, Paulina Lubacz, told Palatinate: “The University can confirm that it is in discussions to acquire the Three Tuns. We have no further comment to make at this early stage.” It is thought that the potential for an extra 50 bedrooms, and the possible use of the building’s conference facilities are driving the University to invest in the property. The hotel is a landmark of Durham City. Situated on New Elvet, the building dates back to the 16th century and retains features relating to
its historical background. Swallow Hotels, the Edinburghbased group who own the property, describe the décor as including “stained glass ceilings, extensive oak panelling, original woodcarvings and open fireplaces that provide you with a unique hotel experience.” Despite the period features, and its excellent location for students – it is opposite the Elvet Riverside lecture rooms – any acquisition is likely to come with a few hurdles. Primarily, the property is in need of refurbishment. Speaking to the Durham Times, one employee, who did not wish to be named, said: “Our bosses won’t say anything…[closure] would be very sad. “The hotel’s tired and neglected. I would say it would need £3-4m to tidy it up.” The second matter is the effect
upon students and tourists. Many local politicians feel that were the site to be converted to student accommodation, it would both isolate students from other university accommodation and damage the city’s allure to tourists.
“The loss of the Three Tuns will be a step backwards in attracting visitors to the City” David Freeman, Durham County Councillor
Speaking to Palatinate, Liberal Democrat Councillor David Freeman, of Durham County Council, said County Durham “should be making
the most of its tourist potential. “For this strategy to work we need good quality hotels. The loss of the Three Tuns will be a step backwards in attracting visitors to the City.” He also stated that the “Three Tuns site [...] would be isolated from other Durham University accommodation. “While extra university accommodation may reduce pressure on family housing being bought by landlords this does not appear to be a good location for either the University or students.” He added that this has “come as a surprise to local residents. I have already spoken to many people who are unhappy with the University plans. “The University’s Estate Strategy makes no reference of the [Three Tuns] site.”
The Elvet Residents’ Association was more upbeat. Jonathan Lovell, the Association’s Chair, told the Durham Times: “If this property were to become student accommodation, ERA would welcome the possibility of reducing pressure on family housing being acquired by landlords in Elvet and elsewhere in the city.” The issue of family housing has repeatedly been a cause of concern for the ERA. Last November, Palatinate reported that two houses on Old Elvet, the Grade II listed numbers 44 and 45, were to be converted from offices to student housing. The ERA at the time stated that there was an “urgent need for the University and Durham County Council to have a joint accommodation strategy to ensure that other areas of the city do not become a University campus.”