North Yorkshire museum undergoes £2.3m transformation

The first stage of a transformational project is finally underway at the Cleveland Ironstone Mining Museum in Skinningrove, North Yorkshire.

Contractor Tolent has begun work on the first stage that includes a £1.3m contract to refurbish the existing building and the construction of a new extension, creating new exhibition and education spaces, retail area, toilets, and archive store. The remaining £1m will be used for new displays and three temporary exhibitions.

The independent museum celebrates the heritage of the ironstone mining industry, preserving and promoting the rich ironstone heritage of East Cleveland.

Having previously closed in 2018 due to the roof of the museum’s Upcast building collapsing, the site reopens in late 2022 and will provide an enhanced experience for new and returning visitors.

The museum’s director of operations,Graham Banwell, said: “This project has faced many setbacks, not least due to Covid restrictions, however, we are very happy to see progress and at a faster rate than anticipated.

“We are pleased to be partnered with such a well-respected firm like Tolent, many of whose staff working on the project have a direct family link to the mine.”

Contractor Tolent is carrying out the work that includes the partial demolition of the existing museum’s entrance lobby and reception area, making way for the new three-storey extension.

Rick Halton, regional director for Tolent, said: “I only live two miles from the site and my father actually worked down the old Loftus mine. The museum plays a vital role in celebrating the history of the local area, so as a business that has worked in Teesside and East Cleveland for nearly 40 years, it’s fantastic to be able to contribute to something with such local significance.

“We’ll also be working to contribute our own social value to the project with a number of short and long term employment opportunities and a commitment to engaging a local workforce.”

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