The campaign to bring about the return of a regimental museum to its original home is on the brink of fruition.

Plans to reopen the DLI Museum and Art Gallery have moved a step closer, as proposals for the revamped Aykley Heads venue, in Durham, have won approval.

Durham County Council has given planning permission for the reopening of the museum which reflects on the role played by the Durham Light Infantry in conflicts over recent centuries.

It will see the popular venue brought back into use as a community asset and visitor destination, with hopes it will draw day-trippers from across the wider North East and beyond.

Read more: Former DLI museum could be transformed into new restaurant and gallery

Admission to the DLI exhibition will be free of charge, in line with the council’s belief that the Durham Light Infantry belongs to all.

Expected to attract between 60,000 and 150,000 visitors a year, the museum will be refurbished and expanded.

It will include a dedicated space to display objects from the DLI Collection as well as an exhibition centre, gallery, and a café.

Efforts will be made to preserve and enhance the grounds of the building to create a reflective garden area.

The council’s investment in the site is part of its commitment to ensuring such key facilities remain in place for future generations.

Read more: Pictures reveal how Durham DLI Museum could be transformed

Councillor Elizabeth Scott, the council’s cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “We are delighted that plans to reopen the DLI Museum and Art Gallery have been approved.

“We believe the DLI is for everyone, our communities, children and visitors, and everyone who wants to experience County Durham’s proud culture.

“With that in mind, we have invested in a facility that is free at the point of use for all.

“Last year we saw County Durham shortlisted for UK City of Culture 2025, with a vision to build a great future on our proud past.”

She said ensuring key facilities like the DLI and The Story, the county’s heritage museum planned for the Mount Oswald site, in Durham, are in place for following generations is, “imperative”.

Cllr Scott said: “We look forward to the museum and gallery quickly becoming a key cultural and community asset for Durham and the wider region and nationally.

“Key objects from the DLI Collection will be on display at the venue, maintaining links to the building’s heritage and, more specifically, showcasing the role the DLI played in world history.

“The venue will also have strong links to The Story which, when complete, will be a permanent home for the DLI Collection.”

Work is also said to be progressing on The Story, which will bring together five historic collections for the first time, providing a unique gateway to explore the whole history of County Durham and its people.

Read next:

               Possible plan for DLI Museum in Durham is revealed

               Row over Durham City of Culture cash and DLI Museum

               Plans to revive DLI Museum given go-ahead by council leaders

 

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The attraction will include almost six miles of archives, charting 900 years of local history, a new home for the Durham Register Office, as well as an elegant wedding ceremony venue.

The Story will provide the permanent home for the whole DLI Collection, reuniting it with the DLI Archive for the first time since 1998.

Both the collection and archive will be housed, stored, cared for, and curated at the site.