Meldrum Construction were appointed main contractor on the restoration of Durham Miners Hall, a grade II heritage building. Work included an extension to the east and west wing of the existing building, complete with fully integrated engineering services installations and external hard and soft landscaping.

The circa 1915 building which was constructed when the Durham coalfield employed more than 150,000 workers, is home to the Pitman’s Parliament, which is now a symbol of the region’s mining heritage. The refurbishment has incorporated sustainable technologies, including ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) that will supply 107kW of clean thermal energy; enough to meet the annual thermal energy requirements of the entire site. To achieve this, over 8,000 feet of boreholes were sunk to tap heat from rocks at a depth of over 130 metres. The system will provide carbon dioxide-free central heating in a building which was once at the heart of industrial coal mining, bringing Redhill’s roaring into the modern era.

The Heritage Build

The existing heritage build had many valuable components requiring protection before stripping out works could begin. Including the founder’s statues, miners banners, woodwork and memorabilia. All of which were carefully protected and reinstated, ensuring the building preserved its past. Many components were cleaned by specialists to ensure their quality and history is safeguarded.

The infamous copper dome on top of the building has stood the test of time but was in need of minor repairs. The decision to restore the copper dome without removing the staining was made early on as it represents the coal miners hardship that made the building what it is today. In parliament hall, underfloor heating was installed which is powered by the GSHP. Seating at the elevated gallery was removed and reinstated.

Brick work was soiled, spalled and chipped, requiring repairs through the building. Lavatories were damp proofed and had original tiling preserved. Many of the existing offices were repainted, restored or replaced flooring and decorated to compliment the original Edwardian Baroque style of the building.

The New Build

On the old courtyard stands a perfectly timeless but modern extension that was designed to house the many social and public events hosted by the miner’s association. Through the high towering glass entrance are tall ceilings with thick wooden beams and a breathtaking staircase that leads to the heritage section of the building. To the left of the stairs is the cinema room, fitted with acoustic panels and spotlights that create an immersive experience. To the right of the stairs is the temperature-controlled banner room with a mezzanine balcony for viewing. In both areas are many upgraded accessible features, including an elevator and disabled toilets.

In-house, all-in-one service: Meldrum sister companies delivered steel fabrication, civil engineering and fire stopping.