The main construction phase of a new cultural venue in Durham City is now complete, marking a significant milestone for the site at Aykley Heads. Durham County Council has formally received the building back, which is set to serve as a multipurpose space for art, history, and science when it opens in summer 2026.
The project, known as The Light, occupies the site of the former Durham Light Infantry Museum and Durham Art Gallery, which originally opened in 1968 before closing in 2016. Over the past two years, the construction firm Willmott Dixon has stripped the building down to its basic structure and carried out an extensive rebuild. While work was initially expected to finish in late 2025, the project faced delays due to construction challenges and supply chain pressures.
The new venue will feature 550 square metres of temporary gallery space, a dedicated gallery for the Durham Light Infantry collection, a ground-floor café, and facilities for events and conferences. It is designed to act as a sister site to The Story at Mount Oswald, which serves as the permanent home for the collection. The project was supported by a £500,000 grant from Arts Council England.
Once open, the venue is expected to attract between 80,000 and 100,000 visitors each year and will employ approximately 18 members of staff. In addition to full-time roles, the site will offer opportunities for volunteering, student placements, and residence schemes.
The Light is positioned as an anchor for the surrounding area, which is currently being redeveloped as the Durham Innovation District. Officials hope the venue will contribute to the long-term growth and regeneration of the Aykley Heads site.
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