Clipstone pit project boost

The Clipstone Colliery Regeneration Group hopes their multi-million pound project will revitalise the site, which closed as a pit back in 2003.

They have now been given £142,800 by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for a feasibility study to see if and how this dream could become a reality.

Elaine Evans, 59, a member of the group, said: “This money means we can move the project forwards and make decisions. It will make a huge difference.

“I really do think the site has potential. We want a bit of a museum but we also want it to have a function. We are hoping to make it a modern space for kids.

When it was open it had facilities like a swimming pool and I think it is important to keep that alive.”

The money, granted in November, will go on surveying the site for a 3D model and to establish the condition of the “iconic” headstocks as part of the feasibility study.

It will also pay for someone to work as a community engagement officer, a business plan and surveys.

The group has commissioned architects, Maber Architects, to look at how feasible the different options are - both physically and as a self-sustaining business.

The Grade II-listed headstocks are owned by the Coal Authority and the land is owned by the Welbeck Estate and the regeneration group hopes to run a zip line between the two 65-metre high towers and another which at one mile long would be the longest in Europe and reach speeds of 100mph.

There would also be indoor skydiving, a parkour training hall, a climbing centre and a tethered parachute drop to practice landings.

The adventure park would cover part of the former colliery site, with the other space used for housing, business and places for the community.

Jonathan Platt, head of HLF East Midlands, said: “Clipstone Colliery was once one of the most productive mines in the UK and remains an important part of the social and industrial heritage of Nottinghamshire. I’m delighted that, thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, we are supporting the project to assess the condition of the buildings and explore how they could be used sustainably in the future.”