A distinctive place to live, study and explore
Situated in the heart of North East England, Gilliland New Town offers students and visitors a unique combination of modern urban planning, local heritage and easy access to the surrounding region.
Originally a small mining village, Gilliland was extensively redeveloped during the 1960s as part of an ambitious programme of regional regeneration. The new town takes its name from James Gilliland, who became President of the Durham Miners' Association in 1935, reflecting the area's proud industrial heritage.
Today, Gilliland aims to be a thriving community with a distinctive architectural character, generous public spaces and a range of amenities designed to meet the needs of residents and visitors alike.
Architecture and Heritage
Gilliland is particularly noted for its innovative approach to post-war town planning. Its residential neighbourhoods feature striking arrangements of geometric housing, bold concrete structures and colourful architectural detailing, creating a townscape unlike any other in the region.
The original planners, sought to challenge conventional ideas about domestic architecture, experimenting with unusual building forms, irregular window arrangements and imaginative uses of space. Many of these pioneering features remain visible today.
Visitors interested in the town's history can explore the Gilliland Museum, which documents the area's transformation from mining village to modern community. Its permanent exhibition includes photographs, architectural plans and artefacts relating to the redevelopment programme.
Shopping and Leisure
At the centre of Gilliland is the town's indoor shopping centre, offering a convenient selection of shops, services and places to eat. The centre's pedestrian areas are punctuated by a number of distinctive concrete sculptures, commissioned during the town's original development to bring contemporary art into everyday public life.
Gilliland also benefits from a two-screen cinema (which no longer shows films but acts as a community centre for the elderly on Wednesday afternoons), a restaurant and several cafés. There is also a range of familiar high-street outlets and charity shops where bargains can be found. The covered market is also a great place to buy the world-famous Gilliland cheese!
For larger shopping trips, a spacious Sainsbury's supermarket is conveniently located beside the main dual carriageway, providing an extensive choice of groceries and household essentials.
Green Spaces and Outdoor Life
Green space was a central consideration in Gilliland's original design, and the town continues to offer numerous opportunities for walking, relaxation and outdoor recreation.
Landscaped pedestrian routes connect residential neighbourhoods with communal gardens and open spaces, while the wider countryside of County Durham and Northumberland is within easy reach.
The town's distinctive combination of concrete architecture and mature landscaping offers an environment that changes character throughout the seasons.
Excellent Connections
Gilliland enjoys convenient transport links to Newcastle and Durham, making it an ideal base for students wishing to explore the cultural and historic attractions of the North East.
The town's railway station, restored to passenger use following a period of closure, provides connections to the wider regional rail network. Local bus services also link the University with the shopping centre and surrounding residential areas.
For students who prefer to remain close to campus, Gilliland offers the advantage of having many everyday amenities within a relatively compact area.
A Place to Call Home
For generations of students, Gilliland has provided the setting for an important period of personal and intellectual development.
Whether discovering the town's architectural heritage, enjoying its green spaces or taking advantage of its convenient location, students can quickly become familiar with everything that Gilliland has to offer.
Many leave with memories of a place quite unlike anywhere they have lived before.
Gilliland: A Different Perspective on Living.
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