In addition to students and staff, the Queen's Campus facility will be available for use by local community organisations and fitness programmes provided for specific user groups. Durham University director of sport Dr Peter Warburton said: "Having this facility next door to the world class white water complex opposite the Campus on the River Tees makes this a particularly exciting development and helps us build upon the University's already considerable success in sport."

Vice-chancellor Professor Chris Higgins added: "Sport helps our students develop the team working and leadership skills to succeed in employment and life."