An exhibition celebrating the history of County Durham’s long-serving council headquarters will take place ahead of the building’s closure, writes Local Democracy Reporter, Bill Edgar.
County Hall at Aykley Heads has been home to Durham County Council and the setting for major decisions affecting the county for more than 60 years.
The authority is preparing to leave the building in August, when remaining staff and councillors will relocate to other council sites. The move will pave the way for the redevelopment of Aykley Heads into a business and employment hub.
To mark the occasion, a special exhibition will be held at County Hall on Friday (26 June), charting the history of the site from its purchase in the 1940s through to the present day.
The exhibition will feature photographs, original architectural drawings and designs, historical artefacts and an audio-visual presentation.
Visitors will also be able to watch original footage of the building’s official opening by Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, in October 1963, alongside interviews with former and current employees reflecting on their time at County Hall.
Robbie Rodiss, chairman of Durham County Council, said the building held a “special place in many people’s hearts”.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
He added that while the closure marked “the end of one chapter” in the council’s history, it also signalled the beginning of “an exciting new period” for both the authority and County Durham.
The exhibition will be held in the Durham Room and Council Chamber between 9am-4pm, with speeches taking place at 10am.
Following the closure of County Hall, the building will be demolished as part of plans for the proposed Durham Innovation District.
The nearby Rivergreen Centre is set to become the council’s new headquarters. Building work to extend the site and create a new council chamber is currently under way and is expected to be completed early next year.
Bill Edgar
Reporter for the Local Democracy Reporter Service.
South West Durham News covering news across County Durham.
