Council Approval Gives Green Light For 504 Student Beds with Modern Retail and Leisure Uses Alongside Pedestrian Links Through the Site
London, England (2 June 2025) — Landmark Properties, the largest developer of student accommodation in the United States, in partnership with Citrus Group and Galliard Homes, has been given the green light to proceed with plans to redevelop the Prince Bishops Place mixed use centre in Durham city centre. Planning permission was initially granted for Prince Bishops Place in 2024 and approval has been granted on an updated planning application, which was submitted earlier this year. The new plan is enhanced with an uplift in student beds and design improvements to respond to Landmark Properties’ investment and brand standards.
Landmark Properties acquired the site in April 2026 and will continue to work alongside Citrus and Galliard to deliver the development. This is Landmark Properties’ third UK development and marks its second planning approval, reinforcing its long-term commitment to bringing its student accommodations expertise to the United Kingdom. Landmark entered the UK market in 2024, completing its first land acquisition in 2025 – a prime site on William Road in central London – and recently secured planning approval on a significant redevelopment at 120 Suffolk Street, delivering 504 much needed student bedrooms.
The approved plans will deliver a mixed-use destination and create a centrally located, multi-functional commercial development with retail, hospitality and student uses, communal spaces and enhanced views of the River Wear while preserving the popular existing multi-storey car park. This redevelopment will provide a financially sustainable platform for the reimagining of Prince Bishops Place shopping centre, delivering exemplar student accommodation and a modern offer for Durham city centre.
The community is estimated to deliver in 2030 and reinforces Landmark Properties’ plans to implement up to six schemes per year.
Landmark Properties has over 74,000 student beds under active management across the world. The firm entered the UK market in 2024, completing its first land acquisition in 2025 — a prime site on William Road in central London.
Landmark Properties will now work with Durham County Council and Local partners to deliver the approved proposals.
Tristram Taylor of Landmark Properties, said: “Securing our second UK planning approval at Prince Bishops Place marks a significant step for Landmark in this market. The scheme will reinvigorate a prominent site in the heart of Durham, combining high-quality student accommodation with retail, hospitality and public spaces while retaining the features valued by the local community. As long-term investors who develop and manage our own portfolio, our commitment to the city extends well beyond completion.”
James Taylor, Regional Director of Citrus Group, said: “Securing consent at planning committee is a huge milestone for this important regeneration project in the centre of Durham with our partners Landmark Properties firmly committed to delivering the development. We can now move forward with confidence and turn this scheme into reality and realise the benefits for the City.”
David Hirschfield, Group Managing Director of Galliard Homes, said: “We are delighted to have secured the revised planning approval for Prince Bishops Place which is a major milestone and vital step towards delivering a transformative mixed-use destination in the heart of Durham. This approval reflects the strength of the partnership between Landmark Properties, Citrus Group and Galliard Homes, as well as the collaborative and visionary approach taken with Durham City Council and local stakeholders throughout the planning process.
The scheme will breathe new life into a prominent city centre site, creating high-quality student accommodation alongside a vibrant mix of retail, leisure and public spaces. We believe this development will make a meaningful contribution to Durham’s continued growth, enhancing the city centre experience while supporting local businesses, residents and the university community for many years to come.”
ENDS
About Landmark Properties
Headquartered in Athens, Ga., with an office in Atlanta, Landmark Properties is a fully integrated real estate firm, specializing in the acquisition, development, and management of high-quality residential communities. With over $15 billion in AUM, Landmark’s portfolio includes over 115 residential communities across the United States with 74,000 beds under management. Additionally, Landmark benefits from an active development pipeline with over 50 student and multifamily projects under construction or near-term start with an estimated value of over $10 billion. For more information, visit www.landmarkproperties.com