Woodhorn Museum’s £2.5m restoration awarded to Compass Developments

By Danny BallPublished On: April 13th, 2026Categories: Top Stories

A £2.5m restoration project at Woodhorn Museum has been awarded to Compass Developments, with work set to begin on the preservation of two historic Heapstead structures linked to the former Woodhorn Colliery.

The appointment has been made by Northumberland County Council through the NEPO procurement framework, supporting the long-term conservation of one of the North East’s most significant industrial heritage sites.

The Heapsteads, which formed part of the winding system used to lift coal from depths of more than 250 metres, are now Grade II listed and classed as “heritage at risk” by Historic England due to severe corrosion.

The structures are part of a scheduled monument recognised as one of the best-preserved examples of late 19th and early 20th century colliery infrastructure in the North East.

The restoration programme aims to stabilise and conserve the buildings, ensuring their long-term preservation within the museum site.

40-Week Conservation Programme Planned

The 40-week construction and restoration programme will include steelwork repairs, lighting upgrades, and full redecoration using specialist coatings designed to replicate the original appearance of the structures.

Compass Developments will deliver the works in coordination with heritage specialists, including Historic England, as part of wider efforts to safeguard nationally significant industrial heritage assets.

Ian Simpson, director at Compass Developments, said: “As a company based in Northumberland, we are delighted to be appointed to a project which will benefit the local community and leave a lasting legacy.

“This is a 40-week programme, to include steel work repair and restoration, lighting upgrades and full redecoration, using specialist paint to ensure the structure is in keeping with the original look. In line with this, we are working closely and in conjunction with Historic England.”

Funding for the scheme includes support from Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Capital Fund and Department for Culture, Media and Sport, alongside investment from Northumberland County Council.

The project also includes plans to provide training opportunities for young people in construction and heritage conservation skills, linking restoration work with workforce development in the sector.

Woodhorn Colliery operated from 1894 until its closure in 1981, employing more than 2,000 underground workers at its peak and producing around 600,000 tonnes of coal annually.

The site reopened in 1989 as a museum, preserving the region’s mining history and industrial heritage.

Local Authority and Museum Response

Glen Sanderson, leader of Northumberland County Council, said: “It’s great news that this careful restoration work is to be 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, North East Museums venues manager, added: “The structures are such an iconic part of Northumberland’s landscape and identity, and they stand as powerful symbols of the region’s proud mining legacy. We’re pleased to be working with local contractor Compass Developments on this restoration project, which will help safeguard these remarkable structures for future generations, while ensuring visitors can continue to connect with the stories of the communities who lived and worked here.”

Conservation Work to Safeguard a National Heritage Site

Once complete, the restoration will secure the long-term structural integrity of the Heapsteads, ensuring continued public access and interpretation of one of the UK’s most significant surviving coal mining sites.