National Mining Memorial Centre Building, Lady Victoria Colliery Newtongrange, Scotland Architecture
National Mining Memorial Centre
Lady Victoria Colliery, Newtongrange Building, Lothian, Scotland – design by Purcell Architects
27 Mar 2014
Edinburgh Centre for Carbon Innovation
Design: Purcell, Architects
National Mining Memorial Centre Shortlisted for Two Awards Derelict coal processing building converted to remembrance and exhibition space shortlisted for RIAS and EAA Awards
A new memorial centre to commemorate the sacrifices made by those involved in Scotland’s coal mining industry is shortlisted for two design awards. The project, completed by Purcell’s Edinburgh studio, is in the running for a Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) Award as well as an Edinburgh Architectural Association (EAA) Award in the Small Projects category.
The National Mining Memorial Centre at the National Mining Museum Scotland is located just nine miles from Edinburgh at the Lady Victoria Colliery, Newtongrange.
Lady Victoria Colliery The Lady Victoria Colliery opened in 1895 and was one of Scotland’s first super-pits. At its peak, the colliery employed approximately 2,000 people and over the course of its lifetime, it reportedly produced a record 36 million tonnes of coal. The mine closed in 1981 and the museum was established in 1984 to preserve its remaining buildings. To this day, it remains one of the best preserved Victorian collieries in Europe.
Re-washer Building The 1930s building, which had lain empty for over 30 years, has been given new purpose with memorial, exhibition and storytelling spaces. Known as the re-washer, this four storey brick extension was added in 1932 to treat coal dross from the adjoining washer. This building is now the last stop on the museum’s tour through the history of coal.
Working within the restrictions of its listed status, Purcell’s design approach was purposefully restrained to allow the industrial patina to remain and so that visitors can easily understand the former use of the space. Three floors provide new exhibition and education spaces. The first and second floors contain library and research facilities as well as a storytelling area. A two-storey void was retained and enhanced between these floors to accommodate a display of health and safety objects which are artfully suspended in metal cages. The top floor is a secular memorial space that features a black memorial table formed from coal. This floor also enables the museum to host events and temporary exhibitions.
The £130,000 refurbishment work was undertaken by John Dennis Construction, structural engineers Elliot and Company and quantity surveyors, Thomson Gray.
Senior Architect, Scott Lindsay said: “The Memorial Centre is a fitting tribute to Scotland’s mining past
and has reinstated a category A listed building that has stood empty for 30 years. Our design
complements the industrial character of this brick building, creating new display and archive areas which
explore the dangers faced by miners, leading up to a tall reflective space in the roof.”
Museum Director, Rowan Brown said: “The Friends, staff and volunteers at National Mining Museum
Scotland had long held aspirations to create a facility that commemorated an industry which changed
our culture, landscape and economy at immense personal cost. We owe a huge debt to our funders,
without whose generous support, the project could not have been realised. It was with great pride that
we opened the National Memorial Centre, a resource dedicated to serving our mining communities,
past, present and future.”
Midlothian MP, David Hamilton opened the centre on 7th September 2013, the anniversary of the
Knockshinnoch Castle Colliery disaster, one of the most significant in Scottish mining history. The
National Mining Memorial Centre is open from 10am until 5pm (4pm in winter), seven days a week.
The results of the EAA Awards will be announced on 1st April 2014. The RIAS Awards winners will be
announced on 18th June.
National Mining Memorial Centre – Building Information
Location: The National Mining Memorial Centre, National Mining Museum Scotland, Lady Victoria Colliery, Newtongrange, Scotland
Architects: Purcell
Photographs: Chris Humphreys
The National Mining Memorial Centre images / information from Purcell Architects
Address: Lady Victoria Colliery, Newtongrange, Dalkeith, Midlothian EH22 4QN
Phone: 0131 663 7519
About Purcell
For over six decades Purcell has been involved in the care and development of some of the best loved buildings
and places in the UK and abroad. From start to finish, our expertise includes funding and planning advice, heritage
consultancy, conservation and architectural design across eight sectors. With studios covering the UK and in Asia
Pacific, our talented team has the local knowledge and sector expertise to handle projects of all types and sizes.
We actively seek opportunities that stand out, that will best benefit our clients, the community and the
environment.
Key Edinburgh Buildings:
Scottish Parliament
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National Mining Memorial Centre Building : page
Website: www.scottishminingmuseum.com