The Joint Administration of Durham County Council (DCC) is urging residents to participate in a pre-planning consultation that is underway for proposals to re-open the DLI Museum and Art Gallery. Following a decision by the previous Labour administration, the museum closed in 2016, but since May 2021, the county council has been working hard with stakeholders and partners to devise a sustainable long term future for the much loved museum and art gallery. Now residents are being asked to comment on plans that will see the reopening of the site as an exhibition centre that will incorporate displays of items from the DLI Collection, along with a gallery, café and restaurant.
On behalf of the Joint Administration or DCC, Cllr Elizabeth Scott, cabinet member for economy and partnerships, comments: “To the dismay of residents throughout County Durham, the Labour Party closed the DLI Museum and we will re-open it to be bigger and better than before. Plans include more space for displaying the DLI Collection than we have ever had, plus state of the art exhibition space and an attractive café. All of this will be set in the most beautiful grounds, with reflective space to honour the powerful military history and heritage of our communities. The new centre will be a huge asset for our county and a fitting showcase for exhibits from the huge DLI Collection. Visitors will want to return time and time again.
“Throughout a series of meetings and focus groups over the last 18 months, we have received strong support from stakeholders. Now, we are giving the general public the chance to comment on the proposals, ahead of entering the formal planning stage in the near future.”
The DLI Museum’s original pavilion-style building was designed by architect Anthony Burns, who won a competition for the design through architects Tarren and Caller in the 1960s. It was later altered and lost much of its architectural appeal.
Cllr Scott adds: “I am delighted that the new plans reflect the original architecture of the building, with a sympathetic extension that, once completed, will look absolutely stunning. This is a cultural asset that should never have been lost and it is a privilege to have the opportunity to breathe new life into the facility. The Durham Light Infantry is of such significance to County Durham that it deserves to be front and centre of a flagship cultural venue like this.”
To take part in the consultation, residents should view the proposals and complete the online survey at www.durham.gov.uk/consultation by Friday 4 November. In addition, members of the public are invited to meet the team that is working on the redevelopment, see the plans, ask questions and leave comments, at Durham Town Hall, on Tuesday 1 November, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm.
