A MAJOR redevelopment at a museum celebrating the region's mining industry is underway.

The Cleveland Ironstone Mining Museum, in Skinningrove, in East Cleveland is going through a major redevelopment after the roof of the building collapsed in 2018, forcing it to close.

British Steel, which has a plant nearby, has donated the materials for all of the heavy steel sections.

Tolent was awarded the £1.3m project in October to refurbish the building and construct a three-storey extension, which will link to the old buildings and make the space more accessible.

David Hogg, British Steel plant manager, said: “We’re planning the biggest investment in more than 30 years at our Skinningrove site and while we’re focused on building an exciting new future for our business and the local community, we’re incredibly proud of this region’s rich iron and steelmaking heritage.

"That is why we’re delighted to support this superb project and see the new building taking shape with steel rolled at our Teesside Beam Mill at Lackenby.”

The project is primarily funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Coastal Community Fund and Tees Valley Combined Authority.

The new space will house state-of-the-art display space, archive storage, dedicated educational areas, and designer office space for the staff.

The museum will also develop new displays, three temporary exhibitions, and a whole year of exciting activities when the museum reopens.

Graham Banwell, Director of Operations at Cleveland Ironstone Mining Museum said: “We are very grateful to British Steel for this generous donation. It strengthens the long, historical link between Loftus Mine, now the museum, and Skinningrove steel works across the valley.”

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