By KLTV Newsdesk –

The National Coal Mining Museum for England (NCMME), located in Wakefield, is set to launch an exciting new experience in January 2025.

This innovative journey through time will utilise the latest technology, allowing visitors to traverse history, meet characters from various eras, and uncover the rich heritage of mining.

Thanks to the generosity of a Rural England Prosperity Fund grant from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, the museum is transforming the historic Lister Kaye Tunnel into a spectacular immersive experience.

Originally constructed in the 1850s under the direction of Lady Matilda Lister Kaye, the tunnel was designed to transport coal to nearby canals and railways, avoiding road tolls.

An Immersive Historical Journey

Starting in early 2025, visitors of all ages will be guided through the tunnel by expert mine guides.

These guides will bring the history of England’s coalfields to life with their first-hand accounts.

Along the journey, visitors will meet engaging digital characters and experience nearly 200 years of coal mining history.

The adventure will culminate in a breathtaking finale featuring special effects. More details about this exciting new experience will be unveiled in the New Year.

This new attraction offers a unique alternative to the museum’s renowned Underground Tour, which will temporarily close from January to March 2025 for the installation of a new electric winder.

Created in collaboration with XPLOR, a local expert in immersive experiences, this project marks a significant milestone for the museum.

XPLOR, based in South Kirkby at the Production Park campus, is the world’s first research and innovation centre dedicated to entertainment technology and production.

Voices from the Project

Lynn Dunning, CEO of the National Coal Mining Museum for England, expressed her enthusiasm: “We are thrilled to be creating an exciting new experience for our visitors, adding to an already amazing day out here at the museum.

“Using cutting-edge technology, we are bringing to life our historic Lister Kaye Tunnel and sharing the precious stories of coal mining in a whole new way.

“Using film, lights, sound, special effects, and historic objects, it will really give the sense of time travel as visitors are transported back in time to experience the fascinating technology and processes associated with mining.

“We are delighted to be working with XPLOR, a major West Yorkshire company, to make this vision a reality – marking a huge step forward for the future.”

Phil Adlam, CTO of Production Park and Head of XPLOR, commented: “As we are based in an ex-coal mining area, it’s especially satisfying that the XPLOR team is working with the National Coal Mining Museum on this immersive technology project.

“We are now home to Europe’s largest event production and research centre, so we are focused on creating new investment, good jobs, and opportunities in an area that used to rely on coal mining for employment, whilst not forgetting our local heritage.”

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, added: “I’m thrilled that businesses in our rural communities are continuing to benefit from this investment.

“The transformation of this iconic West Yorkshire attraction will bring in more visitors, create more jobs, and drive more growth in our local economy.

“Investing in projects like this will help us build a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire that works for all.”

Funding and Future Prospects

The transformation of the Lister Kaye Tunnel, led by the National Coal Mining Museum and XPLOR, has been made possible with £100,000 from the UK Government through the Rural England Prosperity Fund, part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

In West Yorkshire, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority oversees the implementation of these funds, supporting the Mayor’s ambition to make West Yorkshire the best place to work, learn, and live.

The £2.5 million Rural England Prosperity Fund supports small businesses, social enterprises, and charities in eligible rural areas of West Yorkshire.

The fund aims to facilitate growth, create and safeguard employment, and positively impact the tourism and visitor economy.

For more information about the National Coal Mining Museum, visit www.ncm.org.uk.