A ‘HIDDEN gem’ nestled between two World Heritage site landmarks will receive a long-awaited restoration and refurbishment.

The medieval-built former Exchequer and Chancery building on Palace Green, Durham, is to be given a new lease of life, allowing it to open to the public for the first time.

Built in the 15th Century by Bishop Robert Neville, near the entrance to Durham Castle, a stone’s throw from the cathedral, the Exchequer was used to administer the legal and financial transactions of the county palatine.

As bishops of the day administered legal and financial dealings on behalf of the Crown, from north of the Tees to the Scottish border, it earned them the title ‘Prince Bishops’.

It is the only one of the Prince Bishop’s administrative buildings to have survived from medieval times and has been used as part of Durham University Library since the 1850s.

The building adjoins the rest of the Palace Green Library complex, which has undergone a redevelopment programme since 2010, creating state-of-the-art exhibition space, conservation, research and learning facilities.

Work on the Exchequer, starting in September, is the latest phase of the programme.

University Librarian, Jon Purcell said: “Palace Green Library lies at the heart of the Durham World Heritage Site.

“We’re delighted the Exchequer building will be refurbished in the final phase of a six-year project to redevelop and share this wonderful building.

“It’s a hidden treasure which the university is keen to share more widely.”

Dr Keith Bartlett, director of culture for Durham University, said: “We’re all looking forward to seeing the beautiful medieval features of the Exchequer building restored and revealed.

“We also hope to learn more about the building as we uncover features which have been behind bookcases for decades.”

Work will include stonework repairs, conservation of internal fixtures and fittings, and improving environmental conditions for the special book collections which will continue to be stored there.

Following the restoration, the university plans to open the building to the public through guided tours.

There are also plans for library tours, introducing visitors to the Routh and Bamburgh book collections stored in the building, alongside Bishop Cosin’s Library.

Dr Bartlett added: “The Exchequer is a gem of a building, with many stories to tell, from the era of the Prince Bishops to the early days of the university and its libraries.

“We’re looking forward to opening up the building to visitors, sharing and revealing its history.”

The refurbishment is expected to be completed during 2017.