The £130m project will involve refurbishment of the College of St Hild and St Bede and the development of new college accommodation at the Leazes Road site.

This will deliver 1,000 self-catered bed spaces and associated facilities, including a shared hub building.

The site benefits from a south facing aspect fronting on to the River Wear and is a short walk from the city centre and nearby Gilesgate area.

As preferred bidder, UPP will now work with Durham University to refine the proposal with the scheme currently scheduled to start in 2025.

Jeremy Cook, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Colleges and Student Experience), Durham University said: “We are delighted to announce UPP as preferred bidder and look forward to working together to develop a scheme for the redevelopment of the Leazes Road site.

“The project will seek to rejuvenate The College of St Hild and St Bede on its iconic and beautiful site on the slope of the river Wear, providing excellent accommodation with a first-class student experience for the future.

“In securing preferred bidder status, UPP is working in partnership with the University to shape exciting plans and state of the art designs for accommodation at the Leazes Road site.”