Woodhorn Colliery Museum in Ashington, Northumberland has received a Stage One Pass from the Heritage Lottery Fund towards its Experience Northumberland at Woodhorn project.

The Stage One Pass earmarks £10 million towards the £15 million cost of the project. Further funding is coming from Wansbeck District Council and Northumberland County Council and applications to local bodies such the Single Regeneration Budget and the Coalfield Regeneration Trust will also be made.

In addition, HLF has agreed an award of £258,000 for development costs. A submission for Stage Two funding will be made in March 2003.

Architects RMJM have been appointed as lead consultant to the project and cost consultancy services will be provided by Gardiner and Theobald.

In addition to the restoration of the remaining Grade II listed colliery structures on the site, a new two-storey exhibition and and archive building will be constructed. The lower level will hold the main interpretive display area of the museum, together with the café. The upper level will contain a gallery for the display of the Ashington Group paintings, plus a temporary gallery for visiting exhibitions, and also provides accommodation for the public record office facilities.