Apollo Pavilion design (1967)
Victor Pasmore begins work on his design for Pavilion.
Apollo Pavilion construction (1969)
The designs for the Pavilion are given final approval and construction commences. A second dogleg staircase is added to the original design concept to enable the pavilion to function as a pedestrian bridge.
Apollo Pavilion completed (1970)
Construction is completed and the Pavilion is opened to the public.
The Pavilion opens without a formal civic ceremony. Peterlee Development Corporation also ignores Victor Pasmore’s wishes to name the structure the Apollo Pavilion in reference to the Apollo space missions – it becomes known instead as Pasmore’s Pavilion.
Assets transferred (1978)
The assets of Peterlee Development Corporation, which include the Pavilion, are transferred into the ownership of Easington District Council.
The Pavilion is already by this time scrawled with graffiti.
Campaign for demolition (1981)
Local residents led by independent councillor, Joan Maslin, mount a campaign calling for the Pavilion to be demolished stating that it has become an eyesore and a focal point for anti-social behaviour.
Local Authority takes action (1985)
Following a protracted period of debate, the local authority takes action to remove the staircase access to the Pavilion’s raised deck level. As a measure aimed at further dissuading people from gaining access the council removes the balustrades from the deck and fills it with soil and plants.
It is hoped this measure will also ‘soften’ the appearance of the Pavilion. Victor Pasmore objects to the more radical proposal of filling in sections of the Pavilion’s internal spaces on the grounds that this action would be irreversible.
Attempt grade II listing (1998)
English Heritage and the 20th Century Society attempt to have the Pavilion Grade II Listed. This is rejected following a visit by then Minister of Culture Tony Banks.
Victor Pasmore dies age 89.
Residents group formed (2002)
With support from the District of Easington Council, a public meeting of residents is held to assess local views, which resulted in the formation of a Residents Steering Group that meets monthly. The Steering Group begin to refer to the structure as the Apollo Pavilion in accordance with Victor Pasmore’s wishes.
The soil and plants are removed from the pavilion to carry out a structural survey. The structure is also given a full clean and minor repairs are carried out.
Feasibility study (2005)
The Residents Steering Group with support from the local authority commission a feasibility study, which includes an ambitious proposal to convert a nearby house into a visitor centre.
Heritage lottery fund (2007)
The local authority takes a more active role and submits an application to the Heritage Lottery Fund for the restoration of the Pavilion.
Restoration grant (2008)
The Heritage Lottery Fund awards a grant of £336,000 towards the costs of restoration.
Apollo Pavilion repairs (2009)
Remedial repairs are made to the concrete structure and the original stair access and feature lighting is reinstated.
County Durham pavilion awarded Grade II-listed status
In December 2011 English Heritage gave the pavilion a Grade-II* listing.
