Durham venue wins national award

A County Durham heritage centre has earned national recognition.

The Story, based at the Grade II-listed Mount Oswald House near Durham City, has won the national Excellence in Heritage and Culture Award at the Royal Town Planning Institute’s (RTPI) Awards for Planning Excellence 2025. 

The centre brings together five major historic collections, including six miles of archives covering 900 years of local history and the full Durham Light Infantry Collection and Archive.

Since opening, The Story has attracted more than 120,000 visitors and engaged over 1600 schoolchildren through workshops, sessions and educational programmes. 

Thousands more have explored the centre with their families, while the venue also houses the County Registration Service, hosting hundreds of weddings each year.

Designed with accessibility, sustainability and user experience at its core, the project was recognised by judges as one of the UK’s most outstanding planning achievements. 

Councillor Joe Quinn, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for planning, investment and assets, said: “We are absolutely delighted at the success we have had at the RTPI awards.

“To be named the winner of such a prestigious award, especially against a strong shortlisting which included other excellent North East projects, is a testament to the dedication and creativity that has been put into this venue.

“From conception to completion, we have worked hard to ensure The Story is a fresh and modern attraction which celebrates and honours County Durham’s heritage.”

The national RTPI Award was won in conjunction with Kier Construction, which was appointed as the main contractor to deliver the design and build of The Story.

Dan Doherty, regional director for Kier Construction North and Scotland, added: “It is fantastic to see The Story recognised at the RTPI Awards.

“This award reflects the fantastic collaboration between our expert Kier team and Durham County Council.

“By carefully restoring the Grade-II listed manor and complementing it with a contemporary extension, we have created a vibrant cultural and civic hub for the local community. 

“Bringing this historic building back into public use is something we are immensely proud of.”

Joe Ridgeon of North East planning specialist Hedley Planning, one of those involved in the project, who acted as a planning consultant to Kier Construction, added: “The Story is an outstanding example of creative planning vision, investment and success, so it’s fantastic to see our efforts recognised at the highest level. 

“I would also like to add that it was great to work in partnership on this project with Kier Construction and Durham County Council, whose involvement and support has been pivotal in writing a new chapter in The Story’s success.”

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