Local firm wins £2.5m heritage centre revamp contract

One of Northumberland’s major heritage attractions is getting a £2.5m revamp – overseen by a specialist local construction company.

Cramlington-based, Compass Developments has been appointed as principal contractor for the restoration of Woodhorn Museum’s historic Heapstead structures.

From left, Michael Kelly, site manager at Compass Developments, Coun Glen Sanderson, Jo Raw, of North East Museums and Ian Simpson of Compass Developments at Woodhorn Museum.

placeholder image — From left, Michael Kelly, site manager at Compass Developments, Coun Glen Sanderson, Jo Raw, of North East Museums and Ian Simpson of Compass Developments at Woodhorn Museum.

The Northumberland County Council project will see the restoration of two Heapsteads – a key part of the mechanism which brought coal from over 250 metres underground.

In recent years, they have suffered from severe corrosion and structure – which is Grade II listed - has been classed as “heritage at risk” by Historic England.

The Heapsteads are part of a scheduled monument recognised as the best-preserved examples of late 19th and early 20th century collieries in the North East.

The project aims to ensure the colliery buildings and the story of what they represent, is conserved for future generations – and also create training opportunities for young people in construction and heritage skills.

Ian Simpson, director at Compass Developments, said: “As a company based in Northumberland, we are delighted to be appointed to a project which will benefit the local community and leave a lasting legacy.

“This is a 40-week programme, including steel work repair and restoration, lighting upgrades and full redecoration, using specialist paint to ensure the structure is in keeping with the original look. In line with this, we are working closely and in conjunction with Historic England.”

The restoration work is supported by significant investment from Northumberland County Council and Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Capital Fund, which rescues listed buildings and sites facing dereliction or demolition.

Woodhorn Colliery operated between 1894 and 1981 – at its peak employing over 2,000 people and mining 600,000 tonnes of coal every year.

It closed in February 1981 and reopened as a mining museum in 1989.

Northumberland County Council leader, Glen Sanderson, said: “It’s great news that this careful restoration work is to be carried out by a local company with a local workforce.

“We’ve been delighted to support this project, which is so important in ensuring this area’s proud mining heritage is protected for generations to come.”

Jo Raw, Northumberland venues manager for North East Museums, said: “The structures are such an iconic part of Northumberland’s landscape and identity, and they stand as powerful symbols of the region’s proud mining legacy.”