Welsh Culture Secretary Lesley Griffiths visited the National Slate Museum in Llanberis this week to see how redevelopment work is progressing.

Welsh Government funding of more than £1m has already helped progress the redevelopment, including maximising museum space for collections and activities and ensuring there is appropriate office space for employees.

The Museum has also secured funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to continue redevelopment plans as a main interpretation site for the Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales UNESCO World Heritage Site, including the aim of developing new creative spaces.

Based at the foot of what was one of the largest slate quarries in the world, Dinorwig Quarry, the museum is housed in what were the original engineering workshops, built in 1870, which once employed well over 3,000 workers.

The quarry closed in 1969 before reopening as a museum in 1972. It was redeveloped in 1999 with new facilities and plans for a further redevelopment are progressing.

Encouraging people to visit over the upcoming Bank Holiday weekend, the Cabinet Secretary for Culture and Social Justice, Lesley Griffiths said: “The slate industry is an important part of the communities, landscapes and heritage of this part of Wales and the National Slate Museum offers a unique opportunity to glimpse into the lives of the slate workers and their families.

“I have been very impressed with what I’ve seen, and I am pleased the Welsh Government, along with the National Lottery Heritage Fund, has been able to provide funding towards its redevelopment and ensure it continues to offer great experiences for all visitors.”