Dear friend,
Seasons greetings from Redhills to our supporters. We hope you are safe and well and we wish you and yours the very best for Christmas and the New Year.
As 2020 draws to a close, we'd like to share with you an update on our work to develop Durham Miners Hall, and a give a glimpse into the future.
Our restoration and renewal project has picked up pace thanks to the support of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, which awarded critical development funding of £400,000 in March.
Though closed to the public because of the Covid-19 pandemic, Redhills has been a hive of activity. Our team has been joined by a host of industry experts and consultants, drawn from among the best in the region, to develop detailed plans for the future of Redhills.
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Development work undertaken so far includes:
- The appointment of Newcastle-based Mosedale Gillatt as the project architects. They are working on detailed plans to create new buildings which will provide necessary modern facilities and unlock the potential of Redhills while remaining sympathetic to the existing Miners Hall (see below for images).
- Creative design consultancy Bright White are using cutting-edge audio-visual technology to share throughout Redhills the inspiring story of the Durham Miners Association and the communities of the county (see below for preview).
- Heritage experts have been assessing the extensive collection of artifacts in the Miners Hall, including the DMA lodge banners to ensure important historical materials are preserved and made accessible to the public.
- An extensive activity plan has been developed to reach out and draw people into Redhills in greater numbers than ever before. Year-round activities will feature guided tours, concerts, educational workshops, talks, film screenings and much more, and will have an emphasis on the social history and cultural heritage of the Durham coalfield.
- A detailed business plan has been mapped out to enable Redhills to operate sustainably into the future.
- A range of engagement and consultation activities have been undertaken to ensure the people of the Durham coalfield have a role in shaping the future of Redhills.
- The organisational and financial framework for the project has been established by Thornton Firkin LLP who are serving as the project managers. Led by Geoff Brown of Witton Gilbert, the company will provide monitoring and oversight to ensure the successful delivery of the project.
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Design development drawings from Mosedale Gillatt Architects
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Bright White are using cutting-edge audio-visual technology to bring the inspiring story of the Durham miners to life
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We will learn in March 2021 if our project has moved successfully to the second stage of funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Worth circa £4.2million, this would enable building work to begin on the restoration and redevelopment of Redhills. The renewed Redhills will then reopen offering an extensive programme of activity, engagement and community resources.
We will keep you updated with our progress. Our thanks as always for your support.
The past we inherit. The future we build. Together.
The Redhills team
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