Reimagining former collieries and coal mining sites for tourism, leisure, and community uses

We help local authorities, regeneration agencies, trusts, and landowners turn former collieries, coal mining sites, and pit heads into sustainable visitor destinations, community assets, and heritage attractions. We conduct feasibility studies and options appraisals, and prepare master plans and business plans to support funding bids.

As collieries and associated buildings have closed, many communities and landowners have looked to repurpose these sites, whether as country parks, nature reserves, mining museums, activity centres, or mixed-use developments. We worked on a wide range of these projects, helping clients understand the options available to test their viability and build a case for investment.

Projects we have worked on

• Bannau Brycheiniog National Park (Brecon Beacons): Carried out a feasibility study for the expansion of the Fforest Fawr UNESCO Global Geopark beyond. One of the main drivers for the potential expansion into Neath Port Talbot was the opportunity to include new sites related to the impressive mining heritage across this part of South Wales and to assist with visitor management planning across the wider area
• Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council: Carried out an options appraisal for the former Llanhilleth Pithead Bath site.  Options included an outdoor activity centre, a brewery with a bar and music venue and a residential development
• Derbyshire County Council: Led a feasibility study to create a series of new visitor hubs to grow the visitor economy within the ex-coalfield areas of North East Derbyshire
• Homes and Communities Agency: Working in a multi-disciplinary team, we examined the optimum mix of tourism and leisure facilities in the regeneration of a former coalfield, which led to the development of Bickershaw Country Park
• EMDA: Preparing the original business plan for Pleasley Pit, which includes a coal mining museum
• Kent Mining Heritage Foundation: Commissioned to carry out a strategic retail assessment to identify the way forward for retail offer at Kent Mining Museum. This was coupled with identifying practical hands-on operational improvements, which will help to optimise the Kent Mining Museum shop
• Leicestershire County Council: Carried out an operational review and prepared an evaluation plan for Snibston Discovery Park and Museum, which was developed on the former Snibston Colliery
• Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council: Preparing a masterplan and supporting financial analysis for Cefn Coed Colliery Museum. It was the deepest anthracite coal mine in the world
• Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council: Commissioned to work closely with the Council to prepare a business case to assess the viability of reopening the Rhondda Tunnel, a former railway tunnel, which was used to transport coal to Swansea Bay, as a flagship visitor attraction
• RSPB: Working with the RSPB at St Aidan’s Nature Park, we carried out a review of development proposals to enhance the visitor experience at the Nature Park (a hybrid recreation/nature reserve developed on a former open-cast coal mine)
• Seeda: Carried out an options appraisal to inform the development of Betteshanger Country Park, which has been developed on a former colliery site
• The Land Trust and RIBA launched an architectural competition to design a pioneering new visitor destination at Cronton Colliery in Knowsley, Merseyside. Hawkins/Brown were named as one of four finalists from more than 50 entries in the global competition. PSCL worked with the Hawkins/ Brown project team on their shortlisted scheme to advise on its operational viability
• Torfaen County Borough Council: Working with architects, we carried out an options appraisal in respect of the Cornish Engine House and the former NCB Building and Quadrangle at  “The British”, a former ironworks site near Talywain.   The Cornish Engine House was installed in 1845 to assist drainage from the deep levels

What helps us to create robust solutions for former colliery sites?

Our sister company, Planning Solutions Limited, manages CONKERS, a 120-acre woodland with a discovery centre and outdoor activities in the National Forest. CONKERS has been developed on the site of the former Rawdon Colliery. They also manage two other attractions and a brewery. This hands-on experience managing visitor sites means we understand the challenges and pressures involved in creating financially sustainable uses for former industrial land.

Clients say about working with us

“The approach to the business case was thorough, well-researched and considered, resulting in a well-executed document. PSC were responsive to client needs and queries, keeping to deadlines, open to discussion and most helpful and personable during the business case process. The business case has benefitted from the experience of PSC’s sister company in developing, supporting and managing a multitude of visitor attractions, which has resulted in the input of “real life” data and insight. Overall a most professional, extremely knowledgeable and open approach was applied, they were a genuine pleasure to work with”. Kerry Vicker, Project Officer, Prosperity and Development, Rhondda Cynon Taf CBC

“Planning Solutions Consulting carried out master planning exercise for the proposed future development of Cefn Coed Colliery, a heritage attraction located in the Dulais Valley, South Wales. From start to finish we were impressed with the knowledge, experience and professionalism of the team. Were equally impressed with the final masterplan which was well considered and all options and recommendations were clearly justified. We would be keen to work with the team again on future projects.”Karleigh Davies, Destination Management and Marketing Manager, Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council. 

Talk to us about your project

Contact Richard Linington on 07866 742628, or email richard@pslplan.co.uk to discuss how we can help with your colliery or mining heritage project.