Stockton to Receive Boost from New International Centre

A new international study centre for the area of Stockton has been dubbed as a "great boost" for the region by the council's leader.

The ISC, which is based at Durham University's Queen's campus in Thornaby, will be managed by private education provider Study Group.

Due to open in September and accepting students from around the world, those attending the ISC will be in the area year-round.

Commenting on the study centre, council leader Bob Crook said: "The Durham University name carries enormous worldwide prestige and while the arrival of international students will raise the borough's profile overseas, it will be a great boost for Stockton town centre too."

In particular, councillors suggest that the ISC's global focus will make it a perfect fit for the ambitions of the town centre. Businesses are also likely to welcome the additional students to the region, who will bring added trade to those offering places to eat, shop and drink.

Another beneficiary will be purpose-built student accommodation providers and developers such as those looking to convert the former Swallow Hotel into student housing.

Professor Antony Long, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Durham University, added: "Durham University is fully committed to Queen's Campus and to delivering high quality education at Stockton-on-Tees and Teesside. The ISC will bring many hundreds of students from around the world to Stockton each year and we look forward to welcoming the first to Queens Campus in September."

There were concerns the number of students on-site would fall to only 200 this year, but it is has since emerged that the number of students on campus will reach 1,700, and the number of ISC students attending will grow as the scheme develops.