Construction work is continuing on the site of Cheshire West and Chester Council's £8m restoration of Lion Salt Works in Northwich, as contractor, Wates Construction, prepares to put the finishes touches to the 19th century building.

Work to transform the formerly derelict site is due to complete this summer and has seen the contractor work alongside restoration specialist, William Anelay, and the Council's industrial archaeologist, Chris Hewitson, to create a heritage visitor attraction.

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The project, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, includes the creation of a 'working' museum to showcase Cheshire's salt-mining industrial heritage. The site will open to visitors in autumn 2014 to showcase the restoration works, with the full museum open in early 2015.

Current work on site includes the final floor and structural repairs to the main building, comprising original timber and brickwork, which has been recycled and incorporated back into the building.

As the last open pan salt works in the UK and one of only three remaining in the world, Lion Salt Works ceased trading in 1986 and was subsequently granted Scheduled Ancient Monument status.

Wates began work to bring the building back to life in April 2012, which has also included the conversion of a former onsite pub, which will become an educational museum area.

(CD)