Electrosonic brings immersive experiences to Redhills Durham Miners Hall
Electrosonic, a leading international audiovisual and technology services company, is sharing details of a recent project with Redhills Durham Miners Hall.
Established in 1915, this iconic landmark symbolises North East England's rich history of social progress and community. Built at the height of the UK’s coal industry, Redhills has a deep connection to the country's industrial past, when coal mining was vital to economic growth and the livelihoods of working communities.
Today, Redhills offers tours to highlight how its rich history and heritage are inspiring a new chapter. The building has become a centre for a new solidarity economy, supporting local people, skills, and creativity.
Electrosonic designed, built, and maintains three immersive zones that employ projection, audiovisual storytelling, and dynamic displays to explore the history of mining and the people who influenced the region.
Pitman's parliament
This grand historic hall, inspired by 18th-century chapels, and refelcts the formality and significance of the Pitman’s parliament. Once the base for the Durham Mining Association, focused on supporting and enhancing miners' lives, it now greets visitors twice, each visit uncovering a different part of its multimedia narrative.
Pew-style balcony seats and a front council table enhance the atmosphere of organised discussion and collective decision-making.
Two projectors centrally positioned project custom-mapped visuals onto the front wall, thoughtfully designed to complement original features like the antique clocks and ornate wood paneling.
The visuals illustrate how ideas and laws are traditionally discussed, while a surround system enhances clarity and presence. Designed for versatility, the hall works both as an immersive heritage space and a fully equipped events venue, offering new opportunities for engagement and learning.
The committee room
This smaller meeting room is tailored for focused discussions and intimate presentations, providing visitors with a versatile, functional space featuring updated technology.
It includes a 50-inch display on a mobile trolley, complemented by a soundbar and media player for crisp visuals and clear audio. All equipment is stored on a mobile stand, allowing flexible setup options to meet various needs, making it ideal for meetings, briefings, or group sessions.
The interpretation space
Entering this space was designed to feel like stepping into a coal mine, with a deliberately dark setting and realistic set elements such as structural support beams and textured “coal face” walls that anchor visitors in the scene.
The narrative is presented through two 4K video walls, each 4 metres wide, displaying custom content, complemented by surround sound that enhances immersion and realism.
Designed to be more than just an immersive cinema, the area is highly versatile, supporting presentations, commercial events, and serving as an overflow space for the Pitman’s Parliament. Additionally, it connects seamlessly to the main hall’s audiovisual system, allowing quick adaptation for various functions while maintaining its immersive experience atmosphere.
Electrosonic partnered with Bright White and Leyard for this project.
"Redhills has always represented community, progress and shared history," says Alix Collingwood, head of engagement at Redhills Durham Miners Hall.
"Our work with Electrosonic has helped translate those values into immersive spaces that allow visitors to step into the stories of the miners who defined our region."
Last year, Electrosonic celebrated 40 years of membership with the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA).
