For the first time in more than a hundred years smoke will emerge from the chimney to the Hoffmann Kiln to celebrate its new life. The kiln is one of only three such lime-burning kilns in the UK and unique in still having its chimney intact.

A partnership – administered by Shropshire County Council, included Shropshire and Montgomery Wildlife Trusts, British Waterways, Oswestry Borough Council and local people and community organisations – has overseen a £900,000 restoration and conservation programme.

Work started in 2006 and has been supported by a number of funding organisations, including £492,000 support from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), in addition to funds from English Heritage and the European Regional Development Fund.

Councillor Barbara Craig said: "We are delighted with this project which has restored to the local community a fascinating part of Shropshire's industrial past.

"The whole site with the backdrop of the Llanymynech rocks now provides a fantastic educational resource and visitor attraction".

A special feature of the interpretation of the Llanymynech Limeworks Heritage Area is the variety of ways that have been used to help people understand how the site operated before it closed in 1914.

There is a demonstration lime kiln, a section of working tramway, a replica brake drum as well as a series of illustrated panels and an education resource room.

A number of specially commissioned sculptures around the limeworks and the quarries above provide a ghostly atmosphere to what was once a busy, noisy working environment and is now a natural haven for wildlife.

Local county councillor Dilys Gaskill said: "This is the result of many years of community consultation and involvement, with many people, both local and further afield, having worked on the site. It is tremendous to see the project completed and ready to be explored and discovered by everyone."

Anne Jenkins, regional manager for HLF West Midlands, added: "We are delighted to see Llanymynech officially open and see this important Shropshire industrial heritage restored to its former glory. Fully accessible to the community once more, the Heritage Lottery Fund wishes the attraction every success for the future."

The Limeworks were officially opened on Wednesday by Shropshire County Councillor, Barbara Craig, cabinet member for community services.
For Further information contact Peter Dunhill, Llanymynech community project officer, on 01691 624448 or Mark Blount, Countryside Development Manager, on 01743 255053.