People are being invited to have their say on the creation of a new history centre for Durham, following agreement by councillors to relocate the county’s archive service.
Members of Durham County Council’s Cabinet heard, on 17 January, that with plans to redevelop Aykley Heads being given the go ahead, Durham County Record Office will need to be rehoused as part of relocating County Hall.
Based in the building since it opened in 1963, the archives now sit in accommodation that has become outdated and unsuitable for the collection, and provides little space for future storage.
Having considered a number of options, councillors have agreed to consult on developing a history centre in Durham at the disused Mount Oswald manor house, on South Road.
People can have their say online or at a number of drop-in sessions taking place over the next few weeks. Under the proposals, the Grade II listed building would be renovated to offer fitting accommodation for the county’s archives and provide space for its current and future needs.
In addition, it would offer an opportunity to bring the archives together with a wide range of other historical records which document the county’s heritage, as well as incorporating facilities for exhibitions, events, research, educational and volunteering opportunities.
The plans would also see the manor house at Mount Oswald become home to Durham Register Office, providing enhanced facilities in an historic setting for weddings and other ceremonies.
Cllr Ossie Johnson, Cabinet member for tourism, culture, leisure and rural issues, said: “Our archives span 900 years of Durham’s rich and wonderful history and are accessed over a million times a year, as people search records and historical information online, by phone or in person.
Continues…
“However, as their current home at County Hall is no longer fit for purpose these new proposals would ensure our irreplaceable heritage is protected for future generations.”
Durham County Record Office’s archive ranges from the middle ages to the present day and spans five miles of written and photographic records, covering all aspects of County Durham’s history.
Cllr Joy Allen, Cabinet member for transformation, said: “This proposal to create a Durham history centre is very exciting and offers us a unique opportunity to make our precious archives far more accessible to residents and visitors alike.
“Co-locating complementary services in such a distinct and attractive venue would also enhance the services we offer and help attract many more visitors to the venue, and as such boost the city’s economy.
“The consultation offers everyone the chance to be involved in shaping the future of our archives, historical records and registration service and I would urge people to give their views.”
A funding application will need to be made to the Heritage Lottery Fund to help renovate Mount Oswald manor house and add an extension to house the archives.
Views on now being sought on what the history centre could include, such as:
• Durham County Record Office and archives
• Historic registration records
• Historic environment and archaeology records
• Local studies collections
• Durham Register Office
•Ceremonial services which currently take place at Bishop Auckland Register Office and the registration records stored there
• Wedding venue
• DLI collection
• Research space for schools
• Exhibition space.
People can have their say at www.durham.gov.uk/consultations
Presentations on the proposals are also being given at Area Action Partnership board meetings. The consultation will close on Sunday 18 February.
