A LOCAL authority is planning to give more than £1m to help with the restoration of County Durham's miners' hall.
Durham Miners' Association (DMA)is raising £6.7m to restore its headquarters at Redhills, Durham, and turn it into a community and arts venue.
Durham County Council's cabinet will consider a proposal to give £1,103,615 towards the project when it meets next week.
DMA has submitted a £4 million bid to the National Lottery Heritage Fund, but to be successful it must secure match funding.
It has already secured £1m of match funding and has raised £50,000 of the the remaining £600,000 needed.
Councillor Joy Allen, cabinet member for transformation, tourism and culture, said: "County Durham has a proud mining heritage.
“It has shaped our landscape and is very much part of our cultural identity. Redhills is such an important building, not only to County Durham, but to the whole of the UK.
“Its closure would be a significant loss to the local community and County Durham’s heritage offer, which is vital for tourism and the economic benefits this brings.”
The project will see the restoration of the Grade II listed building's historic features as well as the creation of an extension for conference and event facilities.
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