Exhibition marks end of an era for North East council

An event celebrating the history of County Durham’s largest civic building will take place next week, ahead of the building’s closure this summer.

For more than 60 years, County Hall in Aykley Heads has served as the headquarters of Durham County Council.

Over the decades, thousands of people have worked there; it has been the backdrop for many lively debates and key decisions; and countless friendships and even the odd romance or two have blossomed within its walls.

In August, the last staff and councillors based at County Hall will be relocated to other council buildings, paving the way for the redevelopment of Aykley Heads into a major business and employment site.

To mark the occasion, on Friday 26 June, a special exhibition will take place at County Hall looking back on the building’s history from the purchase of the site in the 1940s through to the present day.

It will include photographs, original architect drawings and designs, quirky facts and an audio-visual presentation. The presentation features interviews with people who have worked in County Hall over the years and original film footage of its opening by HRH Prince Phillip, The Duke of Edinburgh, on 14 October 1963.

Cllr Robbie Rodiss, Chairman of Durham County Council, said: “County Hall holds a special place in many people’s hearts, and its closure does seem like the end of an era.

“When County Hall opened in the 1960s, there was an onsite barber, a bank, a shop, a bar and even a restaurant for councillors with silver service. These are long gone, but the sense of community has remained.

“This event is an opportunity for employees and councillors, past and present, and anyone with an interest in the building or local history, to take a last look inside.

“And while the closure of County Hall marks the end of one chapter the council’s history, it also marks the start of an exciting new period for the authority and County Durham, which is definitely something to be celebrated.”

The exhibition will be held in the Durham Room and Council Chamber and will be open from 9am to 4pm. Speeches will take place in the Council Chamber at 10am. No other parts of the building will be open.

Tea and coffee will be available.

Following County Hall’s closure, the building will be demolished to allow for the development of Aykley Heads as part of the emerging Durham Innovation District.

Together with joint delivery partner Muse and Durham University, the council’s aim is to create an environment where businesses can thrive, with access to talent, research, networks, and resources on their doorstep. The district will help to drive economic growth, providing 4,000 jobs and 38,468sqm of commercial floorspace, with development set to begin next year.

The Rivergreen Centre, also located in Aykley Heads, will serve as the council’s new headquarters. Work to extend the building and create a council chamber is now underway and is expected to be completed early next year.

To find out more, visit www.durham.gov.uk/Aykleyheads