Over the past 12 months, we have been visiting site on a weekly basis to review and manage works as part of monitoring progress with our project for the redevelopment of Durham Miners Hall. We have been involved in the project for the past 3 years from initial design through to the current phase of construction.
Durham Miners’ Association New Hall and Offices, affectionately known as Redhills, stands as a testament to the rich history of social progress and community enterprise in North East England. Opened in 1915, Redhills was designed by H. T. Gradon in Edwardian Baroque style to replace the former Miners’ Hall building in North Road. From the Industrial Revolution to the 1960s, coal mining played a crucial role in the UK’s economy, employing hundreds of thousands of men and producing millions of tons of coal annually. The hardships faced by miners and their families paved the way for a movement of social reform, which predated the welfare state and left a lasting impact on society. Redhills, situated in Durham’s city centre, is a Grade II listed building and home to the Pitman’s Parliament, representing one of Europe’s finest examples of trade union architecture.
At the heart of Redhills is the Pitman’s Parliament, a unique assembly that provided a platform for miners to voice their concerns and shape the future of their industry. This democratic institution allowed miners to debate and pass resolutions on various issues, from pay and working conditions to broader social and political matters. The Pitman’s Parliament was a powerful symbol of working-class empowerment and was crucial in shaping the region’s social and political landscape.
Redhills Durham Miners’ Hall will become a hub of cultural activity including events, conferences and exhibitions and a place where community groups can meet, brass bands and choirs can perform, and artistic talent can showcase their work. Works are ongoing to construct a new main entrance hall and Banner room whilst conservation repairs take place throughout the building. The project is due for completion in Spring 2025.
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