New ‘Centre of Excellence’ in Derbyshire Dales

Institute of Quarrying and National Stone Centre announce merger; IQ headquarters relocating to Wirksworth

THE Institute of Quarrying has today announced an agreement with the trustees of the National Stone Centre, near Wirksworth, in the Derbyshire Dales, to create a world-class visitor experience and an internationally significant centre of excellence for the quarrying and mineral products industry.

The National Stone Centre (NSC) officially opened in 1990 to inspire people to engage with the origin, industry and history of stone. It is set within six former limestone quarries on a 40-acre Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Now, the Institute of Quarrying (IQ) will provide the resources and capability required to further develop the NSC as a compelling visitor destination. In addition, the site will become the new home of IQ, which is relocating from its current offices in Chilwell, Nottingham.

IQ President Martin Riley explained: ‘As a membership organization, IQ remains focused on supporting and developing professionals in the industry. Moving to the NSC will put us in the heart of Derbyshire, where quarrying has a rich heritage and generates £2.1 billion gross value added (GVA) per year to the national economy.

‘Relocating our offices to the NSC means we will be able to visibly demonstrate the compelling story of the industry; how it has evolved through its history to the high standards it operates to today and the valuable contribution it makes for local communities and the environment.

‘The site also offers huge scope for additional membership value. The facilities available at the NSC provide new opportunities for us to expand our services for members and the quarrying and mineral products industry. As we settle in, we will be encouraging members to visit, and at the same time, enjoy a visit to the NSC.’

Ian Thomas, original founder and director of the National Stone Centre, added: ‘The aim of the NSC is to be a centre of excellence at national, regional and local scales, in all aspects relating to learning about stone and allied matters in the UK. The aim of IQ is to advance the science and practice of quarrying internationally in the interests of the public at large. By merging each organization, one can support the other in delivering on its respective ambitions.

‘This is very much about building upon the 30-year legacy of the NSC. It’s about securing a bright and impactful future for the organization, bringing lasting benefits in the form of personal development, awareness-raising, memorable experiences and local revenue growth. Plus, with support from the extractives sector, the NSC will move into a new era of success, driving forward the vision of its founders. I’m personally delighted that the Institute of Quarrying is now able to call the NSC its permanent home.’

The NSC provides an opportunity to inspire the future talent the quarrying and mineral extractives industry needs to remain competitive and innovative. Through school visits to the museum and exhibitions, the site helps children understand the science in geology, the natural environment and industrial heritage.

IQ’s vision of creating a knowledge centre for the industry will result in a destination that can be used by the industry to engage employees and other stakeholders vital to the future success of the sector.

This joint initiative gives the quarrying industry the ideal platform to add value with direct engagement with the general public which will enhance the experience already created by the NSC and provide a deeper understanding of the industry to the public at large.

Professor Iain Stewart, patron of the National Stone Centre, added: ‘I’m hugely passionate about how stone has shaped our world today. Securing the future of the NSC for future generations to experience and enjoy is fantastic news.’

The NSC depends on passionate volunteers to operate and maintain the site. The current trustee board is dedicated and committed to the ongoing operation of the site and will continue to be the management board. IQ will provide additional strength to that board.

Sarah Dines, Conservative MP for Derbyshire Dales, said: ‘The National Stone Centre draws visitors from all over the UK. I am delighted that this collaboration with the Institute of Quarrying will secure local jobs and deliver inward investment in what is a wonderful public asset. It will also be a draw for quarrying professionals, and we offer a warm welcome to the team at the IQ.’

For more information, visit the IQ website: www.quarrying.org