National Stone Centre to create new visitor experience

THE National Stone Centre in the Derbyshire Dales will be transformed into a visitor experience after securing a new partnership with industry body the Institute of Quarrying.

The centre opened in 1990 in six former limestone quarries on a 40-acre site and aims to inspire people to engage with the origin, industry and history of stone.

It has now been agreed with its trustees that the Institute of Quarrying will provide the resources and capability required to further develop the centre as a visitor destination and centre of excellence for the quarrying and mineral products industry.

In addition, the site will become the new home of the institute which is relocating from its current offices in Chilwell, Nottingham.

Ian Thomas, original founder and director of the National Stone Centre, said: “The aim is to be a centre of excellence at national, regional and local scales, in all aspects relating to learning about stone and allied matters in the United Kingdom.

“The aim of the Institute of

Quarrying is to advance the science and practice of quarrying internationally in the interests of the public at large.

“By merging each organisation, one can support the other in delivering on its respective ambitions.

“It’s about securing a bright and impactful future for the organisation, bringing lasting benefits in the form of personal development, awareness-raising, memorable experiences and local revenue growth.”

Martin Riley, president of the

Institute of Quarrying, said: “Moving to the centre will put us in the heart of Derbyshire, where quarrying has a rich heritage and generates £2.1 billion GVA [gross value added] per year to the national economy.

“Relocating our offices means we will be able to visibly demonstrate the compelling story of the industry, how it has evolved through its history to the high standards it operates to today and the valuable contribution it makes for local communities and the environment.”