Durham sees The Light - or will when it opens in 2026
City's new creative 'beacon'
Lumiere may have gone – from Durham at least – but welcome to The Light.
That’s the name chosen for the building at Aykley Heads formerly known as the DLI Museum and Art Gallery.
The new name’s certainly snappier than the old one and Durham County Council hope it describes the building’s future role as a beacon for creativity, arts and culture.
Currently in the throes of a complete internal rebuild, the plan – as expressed by the authority - is that The Light, once complete, will be “a multi-purpose cultural space”.
Under the same roof will be a dedicated DLI Gallery, telling the story of the Durham Light Infantry – the ‘Durhams’ - through objects, documents and film, and a gallery equipped to mount “internationally significant” exhibitions of contemporary art.
There will be facilities for hosting conferences and private events and a café on the ground floor.
Externally, the “stunning natural grounds will be an oasis in the centre of the city and a place for reflection”.
No mention in the council’s press release of Lumiere, the biennial festival of light-based art whose recent edition was also its last, but the new name is said to reflect County Durham’s other associations with light.
These include the creation, 1,300 years ago, of Bede’s lunar calendar and Durham University’s involvement in NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (the scientific development and engineering of key components).
Councillor Karen Allison, the county council’s cabinet member for leisure, tourism, regeneration and high street, was photographed at the site with council colleague Joe Quinn, cabinet member for planning, investments and assets.
She said: “The transformation of the site in the past few months has been amazing.
“It’s been fantastic to see the venue taking shape and, now that we’re able to announce its name, it really feels like we are getting closer to opening day.
“I’m sure The Light is going to provide a fantastic place for local residents, people in our wider communities and visitors from near and far to enjoy, all bringing a financial boost to the city and county.
“County Durham has a long history of culture-based regeneration and we are committed to building on its reputation as a culture county.”
The Light is intended as a key element of Durham’s Innovation District which is to be progressed by the council in collaboration with Muse Development and Durham University.
The ambition is to create a hub for investment and innovation that will generate 4,000 jobs.
Coun. Allison said having a cultural venue such as The Light at its centre could only enhance its appeal.
“The café will be a great place for an informal meeting, while the opportunity to host a corporate event in the surroundings of a contemporary art gallery really is something pretty special.”
Due to open next year, The Light will be a sister venue to The Story, which provides a permanent home for the DLI Collection, and the council hopes they will also work with other attractions across the county to maximise impact.
Col. Ted Shields, chair of the DLI trustees, said: “The trustees have been following closely the council’s plans to regenerate the former DLI Museum and Art Gallery site at Aykley Heads.
“The redesign of the building, including the dedicated DLI Gallery, is truly impressive and will surely put The Light - and The Story - at the very forefront of the culture and heritage sector.
“The branding is stunning, communicating vision and innovation as well as tradition. ‘Durham’ or civilian, young or old, local resident or visitor from afar - all will be inspired.”