Plans to transform an historic meeting hall, which is currently part of Newcastle’s only Art- Deco church, into a modern education and learning centre, have been given the green light.
The move will see Durant Hall, which forms part of the Unitarian Church of the Divine Unity on Ellison Place in the heart of the city, revamped by the University of Northumbria as part of its ongoing investment to improve its estate of buildings and facilities.
Once the redevelopment work is completed in late 2025, the new-look hall will host guest lectures and provide space for educational staff, bringing the Grade II listed property back to life after years of decline and neglect.
Planning work, which has been undertaken by North East planning specialist Hedley Planning, has seen Listed Building Consent secured for the removal of an existing dumbwaiter, the former kitchen areas, WCs and pews. The windows, roofing, guttering and brickwork will be either repaired or replaced.
Externally, a new front entrance will also be added together with alternative exits from each lecture hall for easier departure from the building. A platform lift to improve accessibility will be installed, as well as a curved canopy to protect people from inclement weather, and 10 new bicycle parking stands for student and staff use.
Originally designed by the architectural practice of Cackett, Burns Dick and Mackellar, who also created the former Portland stone police, courts, and fire station on the junction of Pilgrim Street and Market Street on Newcastle, the Church of the Divine Unity and Durant Hall was the third church for the Unitarian Congregation in Newcastle.
It incorporates an architecturally different external appearance, with a late Art-Deco style rather than a more traditional 19th century church.
Alex Franklin, director of Hedley Planning, who gained planning approval from Newcastle City Council’s planning committee, said bringing a listed building back into use is a good move.
“This is another successful regeneration story that injects a new lease of life into an important city centre location and heralds the opening of a new chapter in this building’s use,” he added.
“As planners, we are able to make a valuable contribution to our clients’ plans and design ambitions, reducing the likelihood of objections on heritage grounds and in doing so, helping to transform historic properties such as Durant Hall and others across the city for future generations to enjoy.”