Exhibition to mark County Hall farewell

A County Durham civic building is set to close this summer as an exhibition celebrates more than 60 years of local government history.

County Hall, at Aykley Heads, has served as Durham County Council’s headquarters since 1963, hosting decades of council debates, decisions and public service.

The final staff and councillors based at the building will relocate to other council sites in August, ahead of its demolition and the wider redevelopment of Aykley Heads.

To mark the end of an era, a special exhibition will take place at County Hall on Friday, June 26, tracing the building’s history from the purchase of the site in the 1940s to the present day.

The event will include photographs, original architect drawings, designs, quirky facts and an audio-visual presentation featuring interviews with former staff and footage of the building’s official opening by HRH Prince Philip in 1963.

County Hall in the 1960s

Councillor Robbie Rodiss, chairman of Durham County Council, said: “County Hall holds a special place in many people’s hearts, and its closure does seem like the end of an era. 

“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. 

“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.

“And while the closure of County Hall marks the end of one chapter the council’s history, it also marks the start of an exciting new period for the authority and County Durham, which is definitely something to be celebrated.”

Following closure, the site will form part of the emerging Durham Innovation District, being delivered by the council with Muse and Durham University.

The district aims to create 4000 jobs and 38,468sq metres of commercial floorspace, with development due to begin next year.

The Rivergreen Centre, also at Aykley Heads, will become the council’s new headquarters, with extension work now underway.

To find out more, visit www.durham.gov.uk/Aykleyheads.

Want your business, product or service to be seen regionally and nationally? Bdaily helps you get your story in front of the right audience, every day. Find out how Bdaily can help →

Join more than 55,000 subscribers by signing up to our daily bulletin each morning here.