The Powerhouse and visitor centre development
Haig Colliery Mining Museum is working towards a £2.3 million project, which will see the building transformed into a new visitor centre and coal mining museum.
The project will see a new building in the grounds of Haig, which will act as a modern visitor centre with a cafe viewing over the Irish Sea, shop, rception area, toilets and an education suite for visiting schools etc.. the displays within the visitor centre will reflect the heritage coastline and working with the Colourful Coast partners will reflect the flora and fauna in the area, showcasing the changes in the environment from an industrial landscape to the developing natural landscape following the closure of Marchon.
Leading from the visitor centre will be a decking area veiwing onto a childrens play area which has been designed by local residents and children in the area.
The existing headgear will be refurbished to reflect what it would have been when it was first built in 1916, replacing any derelict steelwork and painting the frame.
The steam winding house at Haig is a grade II listed building and a Scheduled Ancient Monument and this includes the 2 huge Bever Dorling Engines and the 3 overhead cranes within.
There will be a new enterance at ground level leading into the new mining exhibition on 2 floors, the first floor will be about life underground and the upper level will be about life above the mines. The No 4 engine will have an overhaul and will be the only object in No 4 engine hall allowing the visitor the full perspective of this powerful steam engine. The huge middle room known as the Powerhouse will be restored with a new floor and be a room that can be used for many functions, exhibitions and displays.
At this time the No5 engine hall and engine will be moth balled until another phase of the project.
The externals of the building will be put right all the windows replaced, and some re instated, with pointing and brickwork repairs. The grounds will be lanscaped in keeping with an industrial building and a memorial garden will be established.
PROJECT TEAM
Haig Pit Mining And Colliery Museum. 