RENOVATION works at a one-time all-girl university college were officially unveiled today (Wednesday, January 9).
An area in front of the Fergusson building at Durham University’s St Mary’s College which had become used as a car park has been restored to its original purpose: a recreation area, for student and non-student activities.
The work was commissioned to mark 60 years since the late Queen Mother opened the Fergusson building, off South Road, Durham, in 1962.
The Queen, then still Princess Elizabeth, had laid the foundation site in 1947.
Professor Chris Higgins, Vice-Chancellor of Durham University, performed the official unveiling.
Durham University chancellor and opera singer Sir Thomas Allen was unable to attend the ceremony due to ill health.
College alumni attended a reception afterwards.
The project is part of a wider refurbishment of St Mary’s College to improve its student accommodation for the 21st century.
The Fergusson building is named after a former college principal, Margaret Fergusson.
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