The Lion Salt Works, in Cheshire was one of the last traditional process salt works in the Country, but ceased operation in the 1970s and fell into ruin and dilapidation.

A project is currently underway, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, to stabilise the structures, provide new visitor facilities and simulate some of the processes and operations, as a visitor attraction and educational facility.

Due to the state of dilapidation and limited funds available the project is to be carried out in phases, with essential facilities being provided now, with a flexible infrastructure to allow for future developments as more funds become available from increased visitor revenue and other sources.

A new visitor centre is to be provided incorporating ticketing, sales, catering, administrative, educational facilities and a function suite. The remainder of the complex is being upgraded to a minimum standard commensurate with conservation, safety, security and protection of the contents.

Working with the industrial archaeologists and interpretative designers some elements of the process equipment is to be restored or operation simulated to demonstrate the production and handling methods and the remainder will be stored or archived for future use.

Redundant process areas are to be converted to educational demonstration and visitor information areas. Services are to be minimised to a level compliant with conservation and safety requirements, whilst providing appropriate flexible lighting, power, communication and alarm services expected of a modern exhibition facility.

Extensive underground infrastructure improvements are required to provide services links between the properties, located to minimise intrusion into ground archaeology.