The historic structures formed part of the Lambton Colliery at Redhead until its closure in 1992 and have since suffered from neglect.

However, under a Lake Macquarie City Council plan, a Lambton Colliery Precinct could include a restaurant and cafe, offices and retail shops as well as space for community groups.

Money generated from leasing the site would then be invested in maintenance of the heritage structures.

The former coal mine was established in the early 1880s and operated for more than 100 years before its closure.

The remaining structures that mark the entrance to the estate represents the last remaining urban mine in the region.

It was also the first mechanically operated mine in Australia.

Charlestown historian Ed Tonks, author of Lambton by the Sea: The Last 19th Century Colliery on the Newcastle Coalfields, said the colliery was one of the most significant industrial heritage sites nationally, let alone for Lake Macquarie and NSW.

Lake Macquarie councillors voted to apply for funding under the Federal Government’s Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program for the project last week.

Councillor Kay Fraser, who has campaigned for restoration work on the site, said with the Fernleigh Track to eventually pass through the area, the Lambton Colliery precinct could further compliment the area’s growing infrastructure.

Cr Fraser said the Fernleigh Track was expected to attract visitors to the area, the Lambton Colliery buil-dings could provide a historic attraction where walkers and cyclists could stop and learn about the area while having something to eat and drink.

The Life of the mine:

Lambton Colliery at Redhead was originally owned by The Scottish Aus Mining Co and named Ryhope after a coal mine in Durham, England.