I live at less than a mile from what was the Durham Light Infantry (DLI) museum, which I visited on a number of occasions. Sadly, the DLI museum closed in 2016, and some Durham residents have campaigned to reopen it since. However, Durham County Council is now implementing a project that will allow the reopening.
I talked to Elizabeth Scott, the Liberal Democrat county councillor who is portfolio holder for Economy and Partnerships, and whose remit includes culture. Councillor Scott explained to me that tourism is extremely important for County Durham, being worth one billion. She sees the reopening of the DLI museum as part of a culture-led regeneration project.
The DLI closed because visitor numbers were dwindling, and it was perceived as a money-loser. Thus, this time things will be done differently.
Plans for the DLI museum
To start with the DLI museum will have rotating displays, rather than a fixed exhibition: this would allow to showcase the long and complex history of the Durham Light Infantry and to appeal to repeat visitors. The DLI origins go back to 1758 and it has been involved in many conflicts, including both world wars.
The DLI museum will be complemented by an art gallery, the only contemporary art gallery in the city. This will be a space for both national and international exhibitions, aimed at attracting visitors not just from Durham. The exhibitions may not just be about the visual arts: councillor Scott envisages that there could even be exhibitions from the Natural History Museum.
There will also be a restaurant with an attractive cafeteria, open in the evening as well. This is likely to be successful because it will be right in the middle of Durham Innovation District, that will offer mutually advantageous interactions between local government, Durham university and industry. The museum complex could be a cultural venue for business events and conferences.
The beautiful surroundings of the DLI museum, in the Aykley Heads Recreation Ground, would also offer significant potential for outdoor exhibitions.
Councillor Scott explained that the DLI building had won some architectural plaudits at the time of its construction in the 1960s and will be retained, with demolition limited to a subsequent 1980s extension. A new extension will be built that will respect the original architectural style and will double the space available.
The council is now in the final stages of contracting with building work to start late Spring. Councillor Scott expects the building work to be completed in 2025.
The development of the new DLI site interlinks with The Story at Mount Oswald project, where work should be completed in 2024. Mount Oswald will store the bulk of the DLI collection, which is so extensive that it cannot be on full display all the time. It will also be the site for the Durham archives as well as a new Register Office inside the grade II listed Mount Oswald building.
Dark clouds for local authorities
There are, though, dark clouds on the horizon for local authorities, as most are facing budgetary shortfalls. Recently a cross-party committee of MPs called for government to fix a £4bn hole in council funding for 2024-25, in order to avoid local authorities having to cut services or going bankrupt.
In 2022 The Institute for Government had pointed out that a decade of cuts had badly affected local authorities and particularly those in the most deprived areas. It has been reported that County Durham Council may also face significant financial challenges in 2025/26 and beyond. An analysis by the Guardian has shown that cultural services are the first target for cuts when local authorities face financial difficulties.
However, Councillor Scott is confident that a new well-run DLI museum complex will be in a robust financial position, particularly as the council intends to create a County Durham Culture Trust. Creation of this charitable trust will open up access to funds, grants and donations with gift aid that are not available to councils.
Together with the Cathedral and the mining tradition, the DLI is an important part of Durham’s heritage. I believe that the new DLI museum and art gallery will be popular venues.
