County Durham were bested by Bradford in the UK City of Culture 2025 bid but councillors say this is merely the start in a new generation of developments for the region.
The partners behind the bid remain entirely committed to delivering a 'pioneering cultural programme with a lasting legacy', working on the already strengthened reputation of the county.
Durham County Council, combined with Durham University and Culture Durham, are motivated more than ever to deliver on promised plans which will create a county jam-packed with culture to make Durham a fantastic place to live, work and play, while attracting regular visitors from further afield.
Read more: City of Culture announcement RECAP: Durham misses out to 2025 winner Bradford
Here are just a few of the proposed plans that authorities have for the county, in a bid to create a much more diverse and culturally accessible place for all.
A total of £5.9m will be put into redeveloping Locomotion in Shildon - inclusive of the creation of a new building which will allow the museum to display more historic rail-based vehicles provided by the national collection. This investment will see Locomotion as the home of the largest displaying collection such vehicles across the whole of Europe.
The Remaking Beamish Project will also bring an entirely new era to the fantastic open-air museum. A 1950s farm and town is due to open alongside the newly constructed Front Street Terrace attraction.
Meanwhile, in Bishop Auckland, work is in place to reopen the historic Auckland Castle for history buffs to make the most of, while further developments will take place following the successes of the Spanish Gallery and Kynren.
A world-class events programme will also be delivered, including upcoming food festivals across Bishop Auckland and Seaham and the Fringe Festival to name a few. The much-loved Lumiere will also return in 2023 and 2025, with visitors from around the world to once again come and take in the bright lights and sensational display.
Leader of Durham County Council, Coun Amanda Hopgood, said: "We are of course disappointed that County Durham will not be the next UK City of Culture, but, on behalf of all of the partners, I would like to congratulate Bradford and wish them the best of luck for 2025.
"We are immensely proud of getting so far in the competition and for being the only county to make the shortlist. This is thanks in no small part to the support we have received from people and businesses across the region, and we are so grateful to everyone who backed the bid.
"We know the transformational impact a vibrant cultural offer has on residents. Not only does it bring people together and energise our communities, but it raises aspirations and attracts people and investment into our towns and villages.
"Working alongside our partners and communities, we will channel the excitement, enthusiasm and innovation that has come to the fore during the Durham 2025 campaign, to create a county of culture with a legacy that extends well beyond 2025."
Chair of Culture Durham, Tony Harrington, added: "It's a great shame we've missed out on UK City of Culture status for 2025, as we believe Durham truly is no ordinary county. However, this is by no means the end of the Durham 2025 campaign.
"Over the last year, it has been wonderful to see excitement for the bid grow, and to hear people's ideas. It's vital we keep this momentum going and deliver a radical and relevant programme that reflects our past, present and future and offers everyone the chance to get involved.
"This really is just the start of our journey."
Professor Karen O'Brien, Vice-Chancellor of Durham University, continued: "Whilst it is disappointing not to have been successful, we of course offer our heartfelt congratulations to Bradford.
"Durham still has much to celebrate when it comes to the wealth of cultural opportunities on offer, with the university's courses, museums, collections, visitor attractions and cultural activities playing an important part.
"We are proud to have been a principal partner on Durham's City of Culture bid. We are committed to building on the sound foundations created by the development and submission of the City of Culture bid.
"We will continue our strong partnership working with Culture Durham Partnership, Durham County Council and other partners to foster and build relationships between the University and communities across County Durham, sharing our extensive cultural heritage for the benefit of everyone."
To find out more, visit Durham County Council's official website, here.
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