Cathedral heritage site widened

Boundaries will more fully represent the historical significance

Durham's World Heritage Site, which already includes the Cathedral and Castle, has been extended.

Palace Green, an area of land which links the Castle and Cathedral and other surrounding buildings, has now been included in the Heritage site

The boundary extension also includes nearby buildings which were built between the 15th and 18th centuries.

It was approved by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation World Heritage Committee.

The new boundaries will more fully represent the historical significance of the property, and enable a better understanding of its urban landscape.

Durham University Vice Chancellor, Professor Chris Higgins, said: "Durham University is the only one in the world that can say its community owns, lives and works in a World Heritage Site.

"This is further recognition for the outstanding site at Palace Green, which is a centre point of Durham and Durham University and is already enjoyed by many members of the public."