REFURBISHMENT of a “hidden gem” between two World Heritage site landmarks is nearing conclusion.

Specialist restoration teams will help to put the finishing touches to the overhaul of the former Exchequer and Chancery, a Grade I-listed building on Palace Green, Durham.

The new lease of life will allow the 15th Century administrative building, between the entrance gateway to Durham Castle and Palace Green Library, to be opened to the public for the first time.

It was used for legal and financial transactions of the county palatine, at a time when the Bishop of Durham wielded huge influence and power, representing the Crown, in many spheres, between the River Tees and the Scottish border, giving way to the term ‘Prince Bishops’.

Bishops Neville and Cosin had an input in the development and their crests, plus those of Durham University, are the final piece of the façade to undergo restoration.

It is the last surviving administrative building used by the Prince Bishops from medieval times, and, since the 1850s, has been used as part of the university library.

The building adjoins the rest of the library complex, which has, itself, undergone redevelopment since 2010.

It will ultimately allow for an extended state-of-the-art exhibition space, as well as conservation, research and learning facilities.

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

“For the most part it has been completed externally, with just the specialist work on the crests to be done.

“Internally, it’s also largely finished and we now need to move the books back in, and develop some form of interpretation as to their display.”

Dr Bartlett said all aspects of the restoration had to be completed to the “highest quality” and he believes the skilled trades people involved have, “done a fabulous job,” revealing some unknown features of the building along the way.

“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.”

Following completion of the restoration, which depends on the drying time for the lime plaster it contains, the university plans to open the building to the public with guided tours.