CONSTRUCTION of a £35m Durham University building is to get under way after planning permission was given.

The Gateway Building, an administrative headquarters and student services facility, was designed by Newcastlebased Space Group, partnered by PH Partnership in Durham.

The eco-friendly development, on the edge of the university’s science site, will house a library, offices and student services, which will be accessed by more than 15,000 students a week.

Professor Christopher Higgins, university vice chancellor, said: “The development will allow us to enhance the experience and facilities we offer to our students and staff.”