Price tag of millions for former hospital
May 22 2008 by Graeme King, The Journal
A MULTI-MILLION-POUND mixed-use development scheme is set to transform the former Durham County Hospital close to the centre of Durham.
The striking 19th Century building, which has been significantly extended from the 1930s onwards, is being marketed for regeneration as hotel or office use, as well as providing exclusive new homes.
The hospital has been used to treat psychiatric patients, but now a new facility is being developed at the Earls House site on Lanchester Road, leaving owner Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS trust free to sell its prime piece of city- centre property which stretches to 3.54 acres.
Property agent Sanderson Weatherall has been appointed by the trust to market the site and is working with the Durham City Partnership – involving the City of Durham, Durham County Council, One NorthEast, Durham University and Durham Cathedral – to try to maximise its potential.
John Haley, associate director of office agency and development at Sanderson Weatherall said: “Dating back to 1853, the well-located County Hospital commands an important position within the Viaduct Quarter and has become a local landmark.
“Set within substantial grounds surrounded by mature trees and parkland, the site comprises a variety of buildings which lend themselves perfectly to a mixed-use scheme.
“With the potential to accommodate a hotel alongside office and residential developments, the site represents an excellent opportunity for Durham, while further improving the surrounding area and re-affirming the Viaduct Quarter’s importance in the future of the city.
“It is extremely rare for sites of this quality and scale to become available in the area and as a result, we anticipate that the sale will generate a huge amount of interest.”
