Members asked to consider next stage of proposals to investin former DLI Museum

Options for the future display of the Durham Light Infantry (DLI) Collection and Archive will

be discussed next week, as well as potential uses for the former DLI museum building and

its grounds.

Members of Durham County Council’s Cabinet will be advised that there are options to

bring the building back into use as a wider culture and visitor destination, incorporating a

significant dedicated space for items from the DLI collection as well as a gallery, exhibition

areas and café.

Alongside plans for the new History Centre, this would allow for a second new site in the

county for the display of the DLI Collection and Archive, increasing access for the public to

view exhibits and artefacts and ensuring more of the county’s military history can be told.

A report to be presented to councillors on Wednesday, 29 September, recommends that

further development work is carried out into the proposals, along with plans for the creation

of a peace and contemplation garden in the grounds.

The recommendations follow a review, requested by Cabinet in June 2021, into whether

the former DLI museum could be brought back into use to house the DLI collection in its

entirety as well as possible options for repurposing the building.

The review found the building in its current state is not suitable to meet the required

technical standards to store the growing collection or maintain accreditation for the DLI

Collection and Archive.

The review, which took place during the summer, also found that returning and storing the

entire DLI collection at the former museum would have a significant impact on plans for the

History Centre and could risk grant funding that has already been approved.

In considering a potential use for the building, the review did find that there was clear

scope to bring it back into use as a more flexible exhibition and gallery space, providing

exhibition and display areas for DLI collection objects, visual art and items from the

council’s range of collections.

The review also included a special session of the council’s overview and scrutiny

committee, which was open to the public and key stakeholders. The session was well

attended, with the majority recognising that the History Centre provides an appropriate

permanent base for the collection and archive. The session has helped shape the

recommendations in the review, particularly the use of the potential new space and

improvements to the grounds.

Cllr Elizabeth Scott, Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “We want to

ensure that the DLI collection is displayed in the most appropriate way. We know many

people feel that the former museum is a natural home for the collection, and we want to

reflect that in our decision-making.

“We are very aware that the DLI collection holds a special place in the hearts of the people

of County Durham and we want to honour and respect that as best we can.

“The work carried out so far indicates that repurposing the building as a cultural venue

capable of displaying and storing a range of collections, alongside art exhibitions would be

the most appropriate option. This would increase the council’s cultural offer and provide a

location for other council-owned collections to be displayed.

“The creation of a new cultural space would also support the county’s bid to be named UK

City of Culture 2025, as it would expand our capacity to host events, exhibit artwork and

historical artefacts and offer a further opportunity for people to engage with culture.”

The DLI Museum closed in March 2016, after Cabinet agreed to introduce an alternative

delivery model in light of falling visitor numbers and significant financial pressures. These

revised arrangements include specialist storage at a council facility in Spennymoor and

displays around the county, including at Palace Green Library.

In 2019, it was confirmed that the collection and archive would become part of the new

History Centre to be developed on the site of Mount Oswald House in Durham City.

If Cabinet approves the recommendation to carry out further development work, it is

anticipated that this can be presented to Cabinet in early 2022.