Industrial museum reopens after refurbishment

An industrial museum has reopened to the public after a large-scale makeover.

Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet, in Sheffield, was once home to a thriving steelworks producing agricultural tools, before becoming a museum in 1970.

Refurbishment work, paid for by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, includes a new welcome hub and play area, and follows on from work to complete the restoration of the water wheel which drives the blowing engine.

Kirstie Hamilton, Director of Programmes at Sheffield Museums Trust said: "The site is unique testament to Sheffield's pioneering industrial history and one the city's most significant heritage treasures."

The newly refurbished welcome hub, created from two cottages where workers used to live, "tells the story of the Hamlet and the people who shaped it", she added.

Work has also been done to restore the Boring Shop, where the holes were drilled in patent riveted scythes made at the site.

Hamilton said: "We talked to people about what they'd like to know about the site and they were wanting to know who lived there, the stories of the people, as well as the stories of the industry.

"Abbydale is such a jewel in Sheffield's crown it's such a window into the city's industrial past and it's it's such a unique experience.

"We're hoping that this is the first of a series of projects which bring more of the historic machinery and the site back to life, so watch this space hopefully over the next 10 years you'll see more improvements happening."

Work has also been going on since last year to repair leaks in the wall of the dam alongside the hamlet, which provided power for the site.

That work, being carried out by Sheffield City Council, is due to be completed by the summer.

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