Proposals to bring the former Durham Light Infantry (DLI) Museum and Art Gallery back into use as an exhibition centre, gallery and café will be set out next week.
Durham County Council’s Cabinet will be presented with the outcome of further development work and the associated financial implications of reopening the museum and art gallery, after councillors agreed to review options for the building last year.
The initial review, considered by councillors in September, identified that the preferred option was to bring the building back into use as an exhibition centre, gallery and café venue which included a dedicated space for the display of items from the DLI Collection and Archive.
This would complement plans for the new History Centre, allowing a second dedicated new site to showcase the DLI collection, as well as some of the council’s other collections, increasing access for the public to view exhibits and artefacts.
The proposals will provide a significant boost to the county’s culture and tourism offer, with the development of a significant creative centre capable of delivering national and international visual art, alongside exhibitions celebrating the county’s important collections.
Redeveloping the site also supports Durham’s bid to be named UK City of Culture 2025, which sets out ambitious plans to considerably increase the creative and visitor economy, improve community wellbeing and empower residents.
The venue will offer an exciting programme, helping to bring residents and visitors together and raise aspirations through the creation of long-lasting opportunities to access culture.
A rich and vibrant cultural scene is also a key factor in the council’s inclusive approach to the economy and will help to create new opportunities to meet the county’s aspirations for levelling up.
Five options were considered as part of the development work into reopening the former DLI Museum and Art Gallery.
The preferred option would see the building extended to increase its net area by almost 100 per cent, offering more exhibition space than the other options and doubling the space available for artists in residence or a creative hub. It would also include additional space for a new restaurant and larger café, and the development of the surrounding grounds to create space for reflection and contemplation as well as spaces for creative activity.
This option would provide the best value for money and deliver a cultural and visual art venue that would raise the city and county’s profile.
Cabinet is recommended to agree to implement the preferred redevelopment option and note the need to further develop all aspects of the option. If recommended, officers would be requested to develop and implement a fundraising strategy to help mitigate the cost to the council.
The meeting will take place at 9.30am on Wednesday 16 March. The meeting can be viewed online at www.youtube.com/DurhamCouncil