Ward Group Investments (WGI) has acquired a vacant council office in Durham city centre with a view to converting it into purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) space.
The company picked up the 18,000 sq ft Hopper House on Atherton Street for an undisclosed price and has secured planning consent to transform the site into a 45-bed PBSA scheme.
The site will comprise self-contained student studio apartments, a residents’ gym, landscaped study garden and cinema room, as well as separate office space for Ward Group Investments’ new HQ.
Charles Ward, development director at Ward Group Investments, said: “The scheme achieved unanimous approval from the planning committee which is no mean feat considering the building has been vacant for over a decade – this is a strong endorsement of the collaborative approach we took throughout the planning process. We’ve worked closely with a strong design team to deliver a premium, sustainable development that not only brings a long-vacant building back into use but also supports Durham’s growing demand for purpose-built student accommodation.
“This scheme reflects our long-term commitment to Durham both through the delivery of best-in-class student living environments and by establishing our own headquarters within the city. We’re excited to move forward into the delivery phase and see the scheme come to life ahead of the 2027 academic year.”
The project team included Howarth Litchfield Architects, Lichfields, Kinetic Consultants, BDN Structural Engineers, Innovation Fire Engineering, Andrew Mosely Consultants and Consult North.
Article By: Simon Creasey
Article Posted: April 23, 2026
Link to Article: Ward Group unveils plans for Durham PBSA scheme | BE News
