The building, which previously housed the collection of historic DLI artefacts, closed in 2016 after falling into a state of disrepair.
After undergoing a transformation, it will be renamed The Light, the council said.
A dedicated DLI Gallery will remain, featuring items, documents, and film footage from the DLI Collection that narrate the story of ‘The Durhams’
Councillor Karen Allison, cabinet member for leisure, tourism, regeneration, and the high street, said: “The transformation of the site in the past few months has been amazing.
“I’m sure The Light is going to provide a fantastic place for residents, people in our wider communities and visitors from near and far to enjoy – all bringing a financial boost to the city and county.”
The council-run venue aims to boost Durham City’s visitor offer and serve as a hub for creativity and innovation.
The old DLI museum closed in 2016. (Image: Sarah Caldecott)
It is set to become a multipurpose cultural space, closely linking its future with its military past.
The name “The Light” was chosen to reflect not just the building’s history, but also County Durham’s long associations with “light.”
It will also house the county’s only contemporary art gallery and play a key role in Durham’s Innovation District.
Councillor Allison added: “To have a cultural venue such as The Light at its centre can only enhance its appeal.
“The café will be a great place for an informal meeting, while the opportunity to host a corporate event in the surroundings of a contemporary art gallery really is something pretty special.”
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The council says The Light will act as a meeting place and a creative hub.
Colonel Ted Shields MBE, chair of the DLI trustees, said: “The redesign of the building, including the dedicated DLI Gallery, is truly impressive and will surely put The Light – and The Story – at the very forefront of the culture and heritage sector.”
The Light is scheduled to open next year and will work with sister venue The Story, as well as other attractions across the county, to support a local, regional, and national visitor offer that celebrates heritage and ambition.
