Work has begun to revitalise the Fellows’ Garden at University College, Durham Castle to enhance its value as an accessible outdoor space enabling student and community wellbeing and enrichment.
After some five years of concept development working with Durham County Council, the beautiful yet underutilised Fellows’ Garden is undergoing a metamorphosis.
The Garden is located within University College on the historic Palace Green, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Durham City centre. While it is already used as a space for student and community wellbeing and enrichment, the revitalisation will allow better usage and accessibility for the benefit of all students, staff, members of our local community, and visitors from around the world.
As well as providing a space to connect with nature in the midst of the bustling City centre, the Fellows' Garden will offer improved facilities for the staging of music and theatre productions from both student and local performing arts societies. It will allow the College to make the most of the limited space on Durham’s Bailey. It will also provide a valuable opportunity to make the Castle more widely accessible.
Student-led Castle Theatre Company performs 'Shakespeare in the Park' in the Fellows' Garden in 2024. The Garden’s revitalisation will include infrastructure for audio and lighting equipment, and the installation of a purpose-built terrace.
The £800,000 Fellows’ Garden project is supported solely by University College alumni and friends, with more than 100 gifts from individuals and the University College Durham Trust. A signature gift was provided by alumnus James Riley (Geography, 1979-82) and his wife Georgina, longtime supporters of the College and University, which generated matching funds from other College alumni. James, a member of the University’s Campaign Board, was inspired to give back to enhance the student experience and make better use of the Castle’s outdoor space.
As a Castleman it is a special privilege to live in such a beautiful historic setting. My daughter's room in her first year looked out on the Fellows' Garden, so I was inspired by a project that enhances its usage whilst preserving its natural beauty.
Due to be completed in October 2025, construction work centres around accessibility and sensitive historical plantings.
A lift from the Castle's barbican down into the Fellows’ Garden and an accessible toilet facility will be installed, providing the first fully accessible space in Durham Castle. To enable outdoor performances, the infrastructure for audio and lighting equipment, and a purpose-built terrace with a portable canopy will be installed. Movable seating will be provide capacity for up to 100 audience members.
Architect's drawing of the Fellows' Garden once complete. Courtesy of Howarth Litchfield.
The rectangular layout of the Garden and all existing trees will be retained, with improved planting reflecting the Garden’s heritage to create an atmosphere akin to a typical 17th century garden.
This will be accompanied by refreshed walkways around its perimeter. With new low-level lighting, all paths will be realigned and resurfaced with local stone. Sculptural artwork also forms part of the final unveiling, and the Garden is set to be officially re-opened in autumn 2025.
Revitalising the Fellows’ Garden has been a long-awaited project, and I’m delighted to see work commencing. It allows us once again to demonstrate University College and Durham University’s commitment to preserving and enhancing the heritage of our beautiful City, as well as investing in student enrichment and wellbeing. I am grateful for James and Georgie Riley's patience and support of students, the College, the University, and the local community. We’re very much looking forward to sharing the revitalised Fellows' Garden with community groups such as the Durham Fringe, Durham Brass Festivals and other performers.
Work on the Fellows’ Garden has been developed by Howarth Litchfield, Colour urban design and landscape architecture practice, and Adelphi Engineering, with constructions works led by Historic Property Restoration Ltd in partnership with University College, Durham University, and Durham County Council.
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