At Durham University we see ourselves as an integral part of our shared city, contributing to its prosperity and exciting future. In her monthly column, our Vice-Chancellor, Professor Karen O'Brien, explores the economic and social benefits brought by our new business school in Durham city centre.
This week, we marked the official opening of The Waterside building, an outstanding new facility for our world-leading Business School.
Many of you will know the building well already – situated on the banks of the River Wear opposite the Radisson Blu Hotel, bringing the Business School to the heart of the city.
Perhaps you have been inside – staff and students have been enjoying Waterside since September, and we have also hosted community meetings and welcomed visitors to the Riverfront Bistro.
World-leading work
Durham University Business School is among the best in the world. Its research and engagement changes industry for the better, through nearly 400 business partnerships; and makes a difference locally as well as globally, supporting spin-out and start-up businesses.
An independent report (BiGGAR Economics, 2022) found that The Waterside building could increase the Business School's value to the economy by more than a third – from £83.1m GVA (Gross Value Added) in 2020/21 to £111.2m in 2031/32.
Much of that benefit will be within our city, county and region.
If you have not yet visited Waterside, we warmly invite you to do so.
Sustainable growth
The keynote speaker at the Waterside opening event was global business leader, environmentalist and author Paul Polman, who spoke inspiringly about the need to care for our planet while achieving sustainable growth.
I am pleased that Waterside has achieved the highest environmental rating, and that much Business School research explores environmental themes, from Dr Atanu Chaudhuri's study of plastics recycling, to Professor Helen Goworek's work on climate literacy training.
Last month we hosted a meeting of the Coimbra Group, leading universities from across Europe, at which we agreed the 'Durham Declaration' to address climate change and work towards sustainable development.
I hope you can share our pride that Durham is taking a lead in the most pressing global challenges.
Royal visit
Finally, this week we welcomed His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla to Durham, and to Durham Cathedral, for the Royal Maundy Service.
King Charles III has some connections to Durham and it is a pleasure to welcome the royals to the city.
Find out more
- Read more about the ceremonial opening of the new Waterside Business School
- Discover more about what environmentalist Paul Polman said in his keynote speech at the Waterside building's opening.
- Learn more about the Coimbra Group
- Find out more about King Charles III's connections to Durham
