Durham's Redhills Mining Union Hall Reopens After £14m Restoration
Redhills, the Durham Miners’ Association headquarters since 1915 located in Durham city centre, has reopened following a £14 million restoration. Known as one of the world's finest trade union buildings and often called Durham’s other cathedral, Redhills is famous for its pitmen’s parliament.
The restoration project included refurbishing the Austrian oak chamber where the pitmen’s parliament met, a room previously affected by mould and a deteriorating floor. Interim CEO Andrew McIntyre emphasized that Redhills represents more than just a building; it embodies the welfare state ideals envisioned at the site.
The relaunch was low-profile, with guided tours already sold out well into next year. Supported by National Lottery funding, local communities were consulted during the restoration to ensure Redhills would be a living cultural venue rather than a static museum or memorial.
The first post-restoration project will take place in Horden, east Durham, featuring Ensemble 84's new adaptation of Mother Courage, staged by Mark Dornford-May.
Long-term plans for Redhills include hosting weddings, funerals, conferences, and concerts. The venue aims to be a hub of cooperative endeavour, working on initiatives such as affordable heat generation from mine water and housing and social care projects.
In the grounds of Redhills, two wooden benches have been installed to commemorate miners who were sacked and victimized during the 1984-85 miners’ strike.
