Uni to snap up Elvet Riverside Hotel?

Durham University is in take-over talks concerning the Three Tuns Hotel, a 50 bedroom hotel opposite the Elvet Riverside lecture rooms.

The hotel, which dates back to the 16^th century, could be turned into student accommodation.

The University’s acting registrar Paulina Lubacz, reportedly said: ‘The University can confirm that it is in discussions to acquire the Three Tuns.’ 

In bygone times, the Three Tuns Hotel was renowned for adhering to the old English custom along the Great North Road of presenting travellers with complimentary Mrs Brown’s cherry brandy.

Today the hotel is part of the Swallow group and is managed by Crerar Management Limited, who look after up to 30 properties throughout the UK on the behalf of hotel developers.

As reported by The Northern Echo, Durham City MP Roberta Blackman-Woods said: ‘I will be meeting with Chris Higgins, Vice-Chancellor of Durham University, in the near future and I will raise the potential future of the Three Tuns with him then to try and ensure that all possible options are in the best interests of the city.’

However, Paulina Lubacz has previously made clear that: ‘The University takes great pride in its estate, which includes being custodians of some of Durham City’s most remarkable architecture and landscapes.’

These hotel acquisition talks come in the wake of a recent university development, the Palatine Centre, being slammed as ‘monstrous’.