Cramlington-based, Compass Developments, has completed the restoration of Woodhorn Museum’s historic Heapstead structures.
Appointed by Northumberland County Council via the NEPO207 Building Construction Works framework, the £2.5 million contract saw the restoration of two Heapsteads from the former Woodhorn Colliery, which are a main attraction within Woodhorn Museum.
The Heapsteads are a key part of the mechanism which brought coal from over 250 metres underground. In recent years, they have suffered from severe corrosion. The structure is Grade II listed and has been classed as “heritage at risk” by Historic England.
They 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 will ensure the colliery buildings and the story of what they represent, is conserved for future generations. It will also create training opportunities for young people in construction and heritage skills.
Ian Simpson, director at Compass Developments, said: “This has been an important legacy project to preserve these vital structures, and one that will benefit the local community for years to come. Every project leaves a lasting mark, but as a Northumberland-based principal contractor, we are extremely proud to have played our part.
“The 40-week programme was completed on time, within budget, and with minimal disruption to the day-to-day operations of the museum. The scope of work included essential steelwork repair, structural fabric repairs, and full redecoration using specialist paint to seamlessly match the original look. To achieve this high standard of preservation, we worked in close collaboration with Historic England.”
The restoration work was supported by significant investment from Northumberland County Council and The Heritage at Risk Capital Fund, led by Historic England and funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, to rescue listed buildings and sites facing dereliction or demolition.
Woodhorn Museum is one of 12 museums and galleries within the North East Museums Partnership.
Councillor Glen Sanderson, Leader of Northumberland County Council said: “It’s great news that this careful restoration work has been 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: “What better way to mark Woodhorn’s 20th anniversary than by seeing the restoration of our Heapsteads complete. These iconic structures are at the heart of the former colliery and, with their scheduled historic monument status, are a hugely important part of Northumberland’s story. We’re delighted to have been able to secure them for future generations, protecting an important part of our heritage and the stories of the people and communities whose lives were shaped by the colliery. The work also means the historic colliery buildings can now reopen to visitors, giving them a richer experience of Woodhorn.