Compass digs deep with £2.5 million mine works

A construction firm has completed a £2.5 million mining industry project.

Compass Developments has restored Woodhorn Museum’s Heapstead structures.

The 40-week project included steelwork repairs, lighting upgrades and redecoration to the Northumberland-based Grade II-listed Heapsteads, which helped bring coal to the surface at the former Woodhorn Colliery.

Bosses say the work “will ensure the colliery buildings and the story of what they represent is conserved for future generations”, adding it will help create training opportunities for young people across construction and heritage skills.

The Ashington-based pit operated between 1894 and 1981, with hundreds of thousands of tonnes of coal mined from its underground reserves every year.

The restoration was supported by 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.

Ian Simpson, director at Cramlington-based 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.”

Councillor Glen Sanderson, Northumberland County Council leader, added: “It’s great news that this careful restoration has been carried out by a local company with a local workforce.

“This project is so important in ensuring the area’s proud mining heritage is protected for generations to come.”

Woodhorn Museum is one of 12 cultural sites within the North East Museums Partnership. 

Jo Raw, North East Museums Partnership’s Northumberland venues manager, said: “These iconic structures are at the heart of the former colliery and are a hugely important part of Northumberland’s story.”

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