Sir Neil Cossons opens refurbished YHA at Coalbrookdale

Following a substantial refurbishment by the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust, Sir Neil Cossons OBE, Chairman of English Heritage, has officially re-opened YHA Coalbrookdale, Shropshire. Extensive upgrading work has transformed the former Literary and Scientific Institute, which was built in the 19th century, into a modern youth hostel, appealing to today’s more discerning group travellers.

The scheme has resulted in the creation of a flagship YHA location for groups, in one of the most fascinating and historic towns in the Midlands,said YHA Chairman, Chris Darmon. We can now provide accommodation of a very good standard with the vast majority of rooms en suite and with excellent facilities for people with disabilities. The Ironbridge Gorge has always been a very popular destination with school groups and we now have a second superb hostel for them to visit in addition to YHA Coalport.

The redevelopment of the property cost in the region of £700,000 with funding provided by The Heritage Lottery Fund, The European Regional Development Fund and a partnership between the Youth Hostel Association, the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust, the Museums Libraries and Archives Partnership along with contributions from a number of private charitable trusts.

Steve Miller, Chief Executive of the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust commented It’s great to once again see this wonderful historic building full of life and a centre for learning. We have worked hard with our colleagues at the Youth Hostel Association to create an excellent hostel which can accommodate up to 74 people in a range of bedroom sizes. Whilst it will be used primarily for educational groups through the week, at weekends we expect to welcome guests on the YHA's Escape to scheme. This allows groups to rent the entire property for the weekend and is ideal for family parties or reunions.