Replacing damaged timbers at Bestwood Country Park

March 20, 2009

When a former colliery in Nottingham needed help with replacing damaged timbers Timberwise were on hand to provide expert advice with a range of timber replacement solutions.

Bestwood Country Park in Nottingham has an illustrious history. From the 1680′s when, Charles II leased Bestwood Lodge and its grounds to his mistress Nell Gwynne through to the late 1880s when Bestwood saw the rapid growth of Bestwood Colliery within the park. This growth was later assisted by the industrial revolution which brought with it iron smelting at the site. Coal production was eventually ceased at Bestwood in 1967.

Since coming under the ownership of Nottinghamshire and Gedling Borough Councils in the early 1980′s the former colliery site and pit tip were completely relandscaped and important conservation areas were also designated within the park. Restoration of Bestwood Park’s colliery winding engine house was also undertaken which has now been preserved as a working monument to Bestwood’s industrial past.

Bestwood Colliery Winding House

Damaged Roof at Bestwood Colliery

As part of the restoration Timberwise begin structural timber repairs in the winding engine house and repairs to the roof of the former substation. The engine house is home to one of only two twin-cylinder vertical steam engines in England that is still standing in their original site. The timber replacement work been undertaken by Timberwise is part of a £2 million restoration project to finally convert the colliery buildings into a visitors centre. Due to open at the end of 2009, from a glass lift visitors will be able to see the steam engine in all its glory.

Timberwise are proud to be a part of this historic restoration project.

For more details of Timber Engineering click here.

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