“Working on a site like this is a rare opportunity” says Simon Butler, Heritage and Conservation Manager for Robert Woodhead Ltd. “This project will pose unique challenges, and we are very much looking forward to working on this historic landmark”.

Pleasley Colliery was built in 1873, and developed extensively over the period to its closure as a working pit in 1994. Many features of the site remain, including Headstocks, Winding house and Engine. The site is maintained by the Pleasley Pit Trust, a voluntary group who have saved the site from total decay. Work at the site will include careful coordination, and ensuring their continued involvement with the site will be key to the success of the project.

Working alongside architects William Saunders, and funded by EMDA, works include metal and concrete repairs to the iconic headstocks, extensive masonry repair and conservation, and major structural work, designed to stabilise areas of the monument at risk. Works to restore and re-instate the massive metal windows to the winding house are also being undertaken.

The full EMDA press release can be viewed at http://www.emda.org.uk/news/newsreturn.asp?fileno=3884