The £17m landmark venue has officially been handed over to Durham County Council and is set to open this summer.

Procured via the SCAPE framework, The Light represents a major investment in creativity, culture and community. It will bring together art, history and science in exciting ways, providing a welcoming and engaging space where visitors will experience internationally significant exhibitions, created in partnership with leading national and global institutions. Operated by Durham County Council, it will be a place for creativity and innovation to thrive, communities to gather, and artists to collaborate.

The building, which was once home to the Durham Light Infantry (DLI) Museum and Durham Art Gallery, was handed back to the council by Willmott Dixon, following its transformation into a multipurpose cultural space.

Willmott Dixon has undertaken significant works to the original building, which has been stripped down to its basic structure and almost completely rebuilt. As a result, the venue is now capable of staging world class exhibitions.

Its links to military history, meanwhile, will be retained through a dedicated DLI gallery telling the story of the ‘Durhams’ through objects, documents and film footage from the DLI Collection.

Cllr Karen Allison, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for leisure, tourism, regeneration and high street:

“It’s been fantastic to witness the transformation of this building into a venue that will not only provide enriching experiences for our residents, but will attract tens of thousands of visitors each year, strengthening the county’s tourism offer and boosting our economy.

“With a quality build completed thanks to Willmott Dixon, we can begin to kit out the building’s interior. This will include establishing a permanent DLI gallery to help bring our region’s proud military history to new audiences.”

Nick Corrigan, Willmott Dixon’s North East Construction Director:

“Having delivered a number of regeneration projects across Durham and with more to come, we’re pleased to hand over The Light to Durham County Council. We look forward to seeing it become a vibrant destination, welcoming people from across the city and beyond to enjoy its revitalised facilities.

“Our project team and supply chain partners have created a place that will bring communities together, supporting local activity, culture and economic growth.”

Mark Robinson, Group Chief Executive at SCAPE:

“It’s great to see the rebuild of The Light complete. Through the SCAPE Construction Framework, we worked with Willmott Dixon to deliver time and cost savings for Durham County Council. The project has transformed the venue, offering enhanced modern facilities, whilst retaining its rich history and heritage.”

More than just an exhibition space, The Light has also been designed to include facilities for hosting private events and conferences. A ground floor café will provide a place for visitors and passers-by to stop for refreshments. Set within beautiful natural grounds, The Light also offers outdoor space for visitors to explore, play and enjoy, alongside quieter areas designed for reflection.

The Light’s location, at the heart of Aykley Heads, will also make the venue an anchor institution of Durham’s Innovation District. Acting as a meeting place and a creative hub, it will support the game-changing ambitions of the new district and play a key part in the sustainable growth of the site.

Completion of The Light adds to Willmott Dixon’s track record of delivering tourism, arts and entertainment venues and follows the recent completion of the £35m Hopetown Darlington visitor attraction, Soho Theatre in Walthamstow, and the award-winning Bristol Beacon music venue.