The historic Fellows’ Garden at University College, Durham Castle, has officially been re-opened, following a transformative redevelopment that reimagines the space as a vibrant, accessible hub for wellbeing, creativity, and community connection.
The celebratory opening event, welcomed students, staff, alumni, and members of the local community to explore the newly enhanced garden and performance area, located within the UNESCO World Heritage site of Palace Green in Durham City centre.
Once a quiet, underused corner of the College, the Fellows’ Garden has undergone an £800,000 revitalisation, made possible entirely through the generous support of University College alumni and friends.
The project has been in development for over five years, in collaboration with Durham County Council.
The redesigned garden now offers a tranquil green space for relaxation and reflection, with improved accessibility, including a new lift from the Castle Barbican. The Fellows’ Garden provides a unique space where nature, heritage and the arts come together in the heart of Durham
The new facilities include a dedicated terrace for outdoor music and theatre performances for students and the local community, within a landscape setting that reflects the garden’s 17th-century heritage.
Visitors to the re-opening of Fellows' Garden were treated to a vibrant celebration of student creativity. Among the highlights was a specially commissioned musical performance featuring a composition by Chris Massa, a PhD student at University College and Bell Scholarship recipient.
Chris’ piece was written to accompany a poem dedicated to the Garden by fellow student Shambhavi Sharma, and was performed by the University College Chapel Choir, supported by one of the College’s music ensembles
One of the key donors whose contribution helped make the project possible is Durham alumnus James Riley, who read Geography at University College 1979-82. His daughter Vanessa also attended Durham, graduating in 2018. James was invited to cut the ribbon and open the garden, alongside Wendy Powers, Head of University College and Castle Senior Woman, Olivia Grace Smith.
This is the latest example of our commitment to the World Heritage Site. Recent projects include work at Palace Green Library, the Norman Chapel within the Castle complex and the Almshouses, which has been designed to make Durham’s rich heritage accessible now and to conserve it for future generations to enjoy.
This redevelopment allows us to make the most of the space on Durham’s Bailey, opening up new opportunities for student engagement and enrichment. We are proud to see this space come to life through the support and generosity of our alumni and friends.
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.
The stone used for the new terrace area was sourced locally from Dunhouse Quarry, chosen specifically to complement the historic setting and architectural backdrop of Durham Castle.
The Fellows’ Garden redevelopment is part of the University’s wider strategy for Palace Green, ahead of the World Heritage site’s 40-year anniversary next year. A World Heritage Site Management Plan is currently available for public consultation.
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