Work to transform the East Midlands' oldest pit near Bolsover in Derbyshire moved a step closer recently following the start of the second phase of restoration work.

Funded by East Midlands Development Agency (emda) and Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) through the National Coalfields Programme, the project has been awarded £800,000 to restore the site's buildings to their former glory.

Over recent years feasibility studies have been carried out to establish a number of options for the listed buildings at the now developed site. As a result plans have been developed in collaboration with the HCA for a scheme with 'non-industrial employment use', providing the community with a historical monument.

Diana Gilhespy, Executive Director of Regeneration at emda, said: "The restoration of Pleasley Colliery is key in retaining the regions history for the future; it's a wonderful monument to the engineers and miners of the area and is a key feature of the landscape that has been brought back into beneficial use for the local community and visitors. It will no doubt contribute greatly towards our aim of becoming a flourishing region by 2020."

Margaret Allen, regional director for the HCA East Midlands, said: "The restoration of the former mining works provides an asset for the community - adding to the long term sustainability of the site - and recognises the industrial heritage of Pleasley Colliery."

Phase one of the project involved the remediation and development of the site, landscaping and car parking.  Phase two will implement the restoration of the sites' key features including; the remaining colliery engine houses and iconic and striking head gears along with other structures which have been registered as Grade II listed buildings and are Scheduled as an Ancient Monument. The work is being carried out by contractors Robert Woodhead Ltd under the supervision of architects William Saunders and will be completed by June 2010.

The Friends of the Pleasley Pit Trust have also been working alongside emda to assist with the temporary site management and engine restoration works since 1997.

Commenting, Pleasley Pit Trust chairman Bob Metcalfe said: "In the thirteen years we have been active this work will see the biggest change to the monument and will ensure its future stability and enjoyment for generations to come."

The Land Restoration Trust will be given funding for the long term management of the site. Euan Hall, Chief Executive of the Land Restoration Trust, said: "The Trust's aim is to manage sites in the way that bests benefits the local community. Because emda and HCA are providing us with long term funding we can work with the community to ensure that Pleasley is an asset for many years to come."