Redhead's mining heritage looking good
Date Posted: 21 August 2012
Residents of Redhead as well as local community groups will have the opportunity to use community buildings, which represent a rare remnant of 1890s mining operation.
Council is calling for an expression of interest from people or groups interested in leasing the Lambton Colliery building for community or commercial use.
The community group, Friends of Lambton Colliery, saved the existing buildings from demolition in 1993 and the site was 'gifted' to Council in 2006 from the residents of the surrounding housing estate. With financial assistance from NSW Office of Environment & Heritage, Council has now restored the Winderhouse and Store buildings so that they are fit for community use.
Mining history
Lambton Colliery is a culturally significant site within the Hunter's mining history. It was the first coal mine in Australia to be fully mechanised and was regarded as a 'model' mine at the time. The mine was in continuous use from 1887 to 1991.
The site has local heritage significance and an application has been lodged for the site to be listed on the state heritage register. The site has links to the Fernleigh Track, as the railway line serviced the mine when it was operational.
Address
The Lambton Colliery buildings are located at 1 Geraldton Drive, Redhead.
Expressions of interest close at 5pm Friday 21 September 2012.