Howarth Litchfield appointed on Durham PBSA
The architect firm will lead on transforming the 18,000 sq ft vacant council building, recently acquired by Ward Group Investments, into 45 studio apartments.
The scheme recently received unanimous approval from Durham County Council’s planning committee.
Plans also include a gym, fitness room, and a large kitchen and living space.
Construction is scheduled to commence in early summer 2026 and will be delivered by group company, Viaduct Residences.
Other members of the professional team include planning consultants, Lichfield; Kinetic Consultants; structural engineers, BDN; Innovation Fire Engineering; transport planning consultants, Andrew Mosely Associates; and independent construction consultancy, Consult North.
Located on Atherton Street, WGI acquired the building alongside the £30m, 178-bed Three Tuns student accommodation, also in Durham.
Jonathan Yates, managing director of Howarth Litchfield and lead architect on the scheme, commented: “We are delighted to have been appointed by Ward Group Investments for this landmark scheme. Our vision was to take a building regarded by the council as ‘neutral’ and give it a new lease of life with a contemporary aesthetic that respects its sensitive location near the grade two-listed railway viaduct.
“It’s our first time working with Ward Group and we are delighted with the way the design brief has put us through our paces to produce an innovative solution to maximise useable space. We have designed some amazing studios with great communal spaces to enhance the study experience in Durham.
“The building had many constraints, so it has taken significant remodelling of the roof space resulting in some exciting duplex units with feature dormers and skylights.”
