Grade II Heritage Transformation
University Teaching & Event Space
Completing 2026
Aptus was appointed as Principal Contractor to deliver the design and build transformation of Durant Hall for Northumbria University. The Grade II listed Art Deco landmark is being carefully refurbished and reconfigured to create a flexible teaching and events space, forming part of a wider programme of investment shaping the future of the University’s city centre campus.
Once complete, Durant Hall will house a two tiered lecture theatres accommodating 400 people and a 150 people capacity lecture hall, alongside a flat-floor teaching space.
Heritage-led approach
Durant Hall’s architectural significance has shaped a heritage-first approach from the outset. Early engagement with the University, conservation specialists and the wider design team was critiacla top mitigate the risks involved with complex heritage restorations, and has informed how the building is being retained, repaired and adapted for contemporary use.
Original features including timber ceiling details, decorative mouldings, wall panelling and stained glass are being carefully preserved and restored. All interventions are designed to respect the building’s identity, ensuring new elements sit comfortably within the historic fabric rather than competing with it.
Design
As part of the team leading the transformation, Joanna Routledge, Head of Interior Design at Aptus, is overseeing the interior design concept. For Joanna, the project carries personal significance, having studied BA (Hons) Interior Design at Northumbria University.
“It feels like a full-circle moment to be back, walking past the same building I once hurried by on my way to lectures. I never imagined I’d end up designing a space that future students will learn in.”
Our design team is coordinating with architects, M&E engineers, structural engineers and acoustic specialists to shape spaces that are both functional and inviting.
Design decisions have required careful trade-offs. Acoustic panels have been colour-matched to walls for seamless sound absorption, floors have been re-engineered to enable step-free access, and M&E routes carefully exposed or boxed-in to protect the historic fabric.
“We couldn’t chase new services into the historic walls, so every route for M&E had to be carefully exposed or boxed-in to protect the fabric. It’s about integration without intrusion – building performance into beauty.”
Lighting has been reimagined to support both lecture and event use. Restored globe chandeliers will sit alongside modern systems, while blinds protect presentation screens without losing the play of natural light from the original stained glass that defines the hall.
“We couldn’t chase new services into the historic walls, Our so every route for M&E had to be carefully exposed or boxed-in to protect the fabric. It’s about integration without intrusion – building performance into beauty.”
Joanna Routledge, Head of Interior Design at Aptus
Accessibility
Accessibility is a major focus of the scheme. New ramps and a platform lift are being integrated to deliver step-free access throughout the building, significantly improving inclusivity while working within the constraints of the listed structure.
Social value and learning
Durant Hall provides a fantastic opportunity to connect education with real-world design and construction. Aptus is leading a programme of learning and engagement linked to the project, using it as a live environment for education and skills development.
Working closely with Northumbria University, Interior Design students are engaging with the project through site visits, live briefs, workshops and design collaboration embedded within their academic modules. Students are also contributing to advanced project briefs, developing proposals and BIM models informed directly by the realities of the building.
This hands-on engagement gives students first-hand exposure to heritage adaptation, sequencing, accessibility and design decision-making within a Design and Build context, helping bridge the gap between education and professional practice.
As a Northumbria University alumni herself our Head of Design Joanna stated “I’m proud to be Northumbria alumni, and designing for Northumbria feels like a way to give back.”
Looking ahead
Work continues on site at Durant Hall, with restoration and fit-out now well underway. The project is due for completion 2026.
