Huthwaite firm turns pit site into a country park

A Huthwaite construction firm is transforming a former Nottinghamshire colliery site into a country park.

North Midland Construction PLC (NMC), has begun work at the Gedling Colliery site in a £1 million project.

The transformation was devised by Gedling Borough Council who recently acquired the 300 acre site.

NMC is responsible for the first phase of work which involves making the site safe for members of the public to enter. This includes site clearance, removal of debris and grubbing out tree roots and unwanted vegetation.

Managing director of North Midland’s Highways and Utilities division, Geoff Poyzer said: “We are delighted to be supporting Gedling Borough Council’s ambition to design, create and develop a destination country park.

“This site is of historic significance and the local residents will benefit immeasurably from the enhancements. We are proud to be a part of this exciting change.”

The firm is also carrying out improvements and repairs to the drainage system, the construction of paths and the erection of new fencing and park furniture.

Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke said: “I’m pleased that after 20 years we are finally in a position to transform the last of the colliery sites in Nottinghamshire into a country park that all of the residents in the borough, county and city can use and enjoy. ”

The park is expected to be completed in May, and will be open to the public in autumn/winter 2014.