Lord Londonderry Statue will return to a new position in the Durham Market Place

A committee meeting has ruled in favour of Durham's iconic Lord Londonderry Statue returning from essential restoration to a new position, 18.7 metres from its original location.

Representatives for regeneration delivery partnership, Durham City Vision, made their case to the committee in favour of the move following a previously submitted planning application which included letters of support from English Heritage, Durham Cathedral and Durham University. The majority vote was heard today.

In response to the planning application, English Heritage agreed (that the statue relocation) "will not cause harm to the setting of surrounding listed buildings nor to the special architectural and historical features of the statue itself."

All work to be carried is designed to cause as little disruption as possible to residents of Durham with activity  staggered and access to restoration sites limited for only short periods of time. The public will be well informed ahead of work commencing with public liaison officers on hand to answer queries and information onsite and via Durham City Vision's website.

The Statue was removed from the Market Place on the 28^th of October for essential restoration work by accredited Conservator-Restorer, Rupert Harris, to avoid it falling into further disrepair. It will return to its new location early spring 2010.

Part of the Heart of the City project, the restoration of the Lord Londonderry Statue is just one element of the £5.25m Market Place and Vennels initiative to attract more investment into the City. Phase one will also see work implemented on the Vennels. The project will improve the surfaces, signage and lighting.  

For further information on Durham City Vision, the Market Place & Vennels project or the relocation of Lord Londonderry please visit the 'About Us' section where there are a number of FAQ references or contact the DCV team directly. 

Lord Londonderry statue set to be restored to its former glory

Durham's iconic Lord Londonderry Statue was removed for essential restoration from the City centre Market Place on Wednesday 28^th October 2009.

Commissioned by Durham City Vision and paid for by Durham County Council, conservation work on the statue will take place to avoid it falling into further disrepair and ensure the longevity of this well loved focal point for Durham.

Rupert Harris, accredited Conservator-Restorer, consultant to English Heritage and an elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, has been employed to return the statue to its former glory.