A LEADING international operator is in talks over turning a historic former university headquarters into a major new hotel, its owner has revealed.

Shaun Crawley, who bought the Grade II-listed Old Shire Hall, in Durham early last year, declined to name the interested brand but said things were “going well”.

The multi-million pound project, for what was Durham University’s base until 2012, has progressed to the stage where Mr Crawley, who lives nearby, has submitted a planning application to suit the would-be operator’s needs.

It envisages an 81-bedroom luxury hotel, fitness suite and spa, 150-cover restaurant, 100-cover coffee shop and extra parking, behind the hotel close to Court Lane.

At least 60 new jobs could be created and the new hotel would go some way to meeting a long-identified need for more hotel beds in the city.

Mr Crawley said: “We also have a big name operator lined up for the restaurant that will make the hotel one of the best dining destinations in Durham.

“I’m looking forward to becoming one of their best customers myself.”

The spa, with a gym, sauna, steam room, two “experience showers” and changing rooms, would be on the lower ground floor, along with some bedrooms and the coffee shop.

The ground floor would comprise the reception, a lounge bar and restaurant in the grand council chamber.

There would be a dining area above the chamber and more bedrooms on the first floor, plus further suites on the second floor.

Much of the 1896-built Art Deco grandeur would be retained, including the tiled walls, grand staircase, marble, mosaic floors and wood panelling.

A new one-way entrance to the car park would be created from Old Elvet, with motorists exiting onto Court Lane only.

The Victorian treasure was built as a home for Durham County Council, before transferring to the university in the mid-1960s.

Planning permission was granted for its conversion to a boutique hotel with 43 bedrooms, 29 apart-hotel rooms, restaurant, leisure club and spa last November.

Consultation on the new proposals has begun and runs until Thursday, September 10. Further details are available and comments can be made online at durham.gov.uk/planning, using the reference DM/15/02392/FPA.

A council committee will discuss the scheme this autumn.