With a striking architecural design (involving 530 tons of structural steel), the Palantine centre brings all student-facing services, the Bill Bryson Library and the new Durham Law School under one roof to improve the quality of student support.

A Durham University spokesperson said: “These facilities are complemented by internationally renowned teaching and learning, delivered by some of the world’s leading academics.

“The ongoing development of our facilities reflects our position as a world-leading institution”

“This all round experience will allow us to continue to attract the brightest and best students, from both the UK and internationally, while producing graduates that continue to be among the most sought after by the world’s leading employers.”

The Centre will house services such as the academic and international offices, student immigration and financial support office, which were previously spread around Durham.

It is part of a wider £100 million investment on campus which includes £12m on sports facilities, £10m on redeveloping facilities on Durham’s World Heritage Site, and £16.6million on rebuilding a major extension of Durham Business School.

Durham is ranked as a world top 100 university and aims to enter the top 50 by 2020.

Professor Chris Higgins, Vice-Chancellor of Durham University, said: “Our investment…underlines the commitment we have to providing students, staff and visitors with the very best facilities in what is a rapidly changing and highly competitive environment.

“Durham is a global university, attracting students from more than 140 countries, and the ongoing development and enhancement of our facilities reflects our position as a world-leading institution.”