Industry News

County Durham’s newest culture, heritage and registration venue has been recognised for its design and contribution to the community in two prestigious awards.

The Story has marked its first year with commendations in the Constructing Excellence North East (CENE) and regional Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) awards.

The Durham County Council venue was in the running at the CENE awards, which recognise the organisations or individuals which are leading on innovation in the built environment.

The venue was shortlisted in both the Regeneration & Conservation and Building Project of the Year categories, receiving a highly commended award in the latter.

In the RTPI Awards, The Story was also highly commended in the Best Project category.

This award celebrates projects that have improved or enhanced places with a particular historical or cultural significance, for the benefit of the community and future generations.

The Story will now progress as a finalist in the national RTPI awards, which will take place later in the year.

It has also been shortlisted in the national Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) awards, in which it will be competing for the Refurbishment/Revitilisation Award.

Cllr Lyndsey Fox, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “We are absolutely delighted at the recognition The Story has had in just its first year of opening. A lot of work went into the design and concept of this venue to ensure we created a fresh and modern attraction for the people of County Durham and beyond, while also honouring the building’s original heritage.

“The Story has already helped thousands of people to discover more about their personal histories and connect with our region’s heritage in new and exciting ways, and we look forward to seeing more success from the venue as we build on and grow its offer.”

Kier was appointed as the main contractor to deliver the design and build of The Story.

The team undertook restoration works to the Grade II Listed Manor house, preserving as many of the original features as possible or matching new items through traditional techniques and materials, to create a new civic venue.

Adjoining the Manor House, the team also delivered the new extension to store County Durham’s archive collection and create a new visitor attraction.

By working with the community, Kier also generated over £20 million of social value.

Steve Lynn, operations director at Kier, said: “We’re incredibly proud to have delivered this unique building for Durham County Council and the local community. The Story is a fantastic example of what can be achieved through true collaboration to bring a once unused building back into public use.”

Located in the restored and extended Grade II listed Mount Oswald House near Durham City, The Story is a gateway to the history of County Durham and its people. It brings together five historic collections, including six miles of archives charting 900 years of County Durham’s history and the entire Durham Light Infantry Collection and Archive.

In its first year, The Story has welcomed nearly 124,000 visitors and has engaged 1,672 children in the county’s past at its popular school sessions, workshops and weekly Small Stories group. This is in addition to the thousands of children who have visited with their families.

The Story is also the home of the County Registration Service, and, over the last year, 708 couples have tied the knot in its ceremony rooms. More than 2,100 notices of marriage or civil partnership have been granted and 2,277 births have been registered.

The Story is open every day and entry is free. To stay up to date with the latest news and events, visit www.thestorydurham.org.