Developer is appointed to help make history
Construction work to create a vibrant, interactive history hub in Durham City is expected to be completed by next year.
Durham County Council has confirmed Kier as the developer to restore the Grade II-listed Mount Oswald Manor House and turn it into a local history hub, bringing archive, heritage, and registration services together.
Kier is due to start on site this spring with work expected to be completed by autumn 2022, ready for historical records and objects to be moved to their new home and the installation of an exhibition showcasing the lesser told stories of working people who have been pivotal in shaping the county.
The history centre – which will chart almost 900 years of history – is expected to open to the public in 2023, and officials hope to attract more than 70,000 visitors per year.
Cllr Simon Henig, Leader of Durham County Council, said: “We are delighted that a main contractor has been appointed so that work can begin on the exciting new centre which will provide a unique gateway to explore the whole history of the county and its people.
"It will allow us to open up new spaces for residents and visitors to use and enjoy as well as providing a secure future for our important heritage collections.”
Dan Doherty, regional director at Kier Regional Building North & Scotland, said: “We are delighted to have been appointed to deliver this specialist project.
"We have vast experience in restoring first-class refurbishments of Grade Listed properties and look forward to being part of this iconic scheme for County Durham.”
Visit www.durham.gov.uk/historycentre