Threlkeld, Cumbria
2025
Threlkeld Quarry & Mining Museum
£1.2M+
We are absolutely thrilled to have been chosen as the main contractor for the magnificent new museum project in Threlkeld, located just on the outskirts of the charming town of Keswick.
This project is particularly close to our hearts. It is situated in a region that many of our staff, friends and families call home. The Lake District National Park, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and outdoor adventures, is not just a workplace for us but a beloved part of our lives, our community and our identity as a business rooted in Cumbria.
Threlkeld Quarry has been part of this landscape since 1870, originally supplying railway ballast before its granite was used for everything from the Manchester Corporation Waterworks to road building and dressed stone facing. When the quarry closed in 1982, it found a new life as a museum, run by dedicated staff and volunteers who have given more than four decades to preserving this important piece of local industrial history. When the opportunity came to build a significant new museum building on site, extending that legacy for future generations, we were proud to be trusted with the work.
The project was funded through the UK Government UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Cumbria Waste Management Environment Trust, alongside grants from Cumberland Council, the Hadfield Trust, the Headley Trust and the local parish council. Community projects like this one, delivered with care and purpose, are exactly the kind of work William King Construction takes genuine pride in.
A selection of images from the Threlkeld Quarry and Mining Museum project, documenting the progress and transformation on site.
Nestled in the heart of Threlkeld, an exciting journey is unfolding. Since its inception in the 1870s, Threlkeld Quarry has been integral to the community, providing valuable granite ballast for the Penrith to Keswick railway line. The original museum opened its doors in 1982, captivating visitors with its fascinating and informative displays. But as time has marched on, it became clear that a fresh approach to renewal was needed.
Combining traditional craftsmanship with modern construction management to ensure quality, safety and programme certainty, the new museum building at Threlkeld Quarry reflects William King Construction’s commitment to community while paying homage to the past.
The project required careful management of a grant-funded programme with multiple stakeholders, ensuring the build delivered against both the functional requirements of the museum and the expectations of the funding bodies involved. Our team understood that this was not just a construction project. It was a community asset being built for the long term, and every decision was made with that responsibility in mind.
With every beam and every brick, William King worked in collaboration with the trust to create an accessible place for everyone to enjoy.
Full pre-start survey, heritage assessment and planning prior to mobilisation, with careful application of our experience to understand the constraints and opportunities of this unique community site.
Careful identification of all material priorities, precision external masonry and stonework befitting the heritage of the site, and first-class plate construction across all levels of the new building.
Full M&E installation, internal fit-out to each unit, and bathroom installation and final finishes to the required standard, including the external doors, porch roof and all finishing details.
A thorough sign-off process with full handover to the museum trust, on programme and within the agreed budget, with the new building ready to welcome visitors and continue Threlkeld's story for generations to come.
Whether it’s a heritage conversion, new build residential or complex civil works – our team is ready to discuss how we can deliver it to the standard you expect.
