Redevelopment of military museum progressing
Durham County CouncilThe redevelopment of a military museum is taking shape with the hope of opening to the public in spring 2026.
Restoration of the Durham Light Infantry (DLI) Museum in Aykley Heads, County Durham began last year and now a large steel frame has been constructed on site which will form an extension to the venue, almost doubling its original size.
The museum was closed in 2016 due to Durham County Council's cost-cutting measures but plans to refurbish it were approved in March last year.
Councillor Elizabeth Scott, cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said the steel framework "really shows the scale of the work" and was an "exciting reminder of our ambition for the venue".
The DLI Museum first opened in 1968 and tells the story of the Durham Light Infantry, with particular emphasis on World Wars One and Two.
The decision to redevelop the site was met with criticism by campaigners who called for work to stop because soldiers' ashes had been scattered on the land.
Durham County CouncilA significant part of the original structural shell of the original DLI Museum is being retained, with work being carried out to upgrade the concrete sections to ensure they are suitable.
A new access road and substation have already been completed and work is currently underway to install lift shafts to access the multiple levels of the building.
The construction work is expected to be completed in late 2025 and the venue is due to open to the public in early spring 2026.
Scott said the museum, art gallery and cafe was going to be "a world-class cultural venue, capable of hosting internationally significant exhibitions" as well as offering indoor and outdoor space for "residents and visitors to feel inspired".
"I'm enjoying seeing our vision starting to take shape and am looking forward to the next time we can offer an update on this exciting project," she said.