Last year the museum merged with the Institute of Quarrying (IQ), a worldwide professional body for the construction materials sector, as part of a shared plan to develop the site as an international destination.
Working with the Wirksworth design practice Babenko Associates, the partners have now submitted plans to Derbyshire Dales District Council for a stunning new cantilevered structure inspired by the hillside rock formations which surround it.
IQ chief executive James Thorne said: “In 2021 the value of tourism to the Peak District and Derbyshire’s economy was estimated at £1.96 billion. A reimagined and reinvigorated National Stone Centre will bring new visitors, as well as providing a focal point for engaging the public, schools and colleges in the science, history, present and future of the quarrying and mineral products industry.
“We are delighted to have reached this point in the project, which makes everything feel so much more real. This planning application is the end result of over a year’s consultation and engagement with all of our stakeholders. We have listened and learned, taking on board feedback that has helped shape our application.”
IQ chief executive James Thorne said: “In 2021 the value of tourism to the Peak District and Derbyshire’s economy was estimated at £1.96 billion. A reimagined and reinvigorated National Stone Centre will bring new visitors, as well as providing a focal point for engaging the public, schools and colleges in the science, history, present and future of the quarrying and mineral products industry.
![Viv Russell IQ president pictured. Set within six former limestone quarries on a 40 acre Site of Special Scientific Interest, the NSC has been welcoming casual visitors, school children, students and industry professionals to its Site of Special Scientific Interest since 1990, educating the public on the UK's geology and the story of stone - from the beginning of time to the importance of its present day uses across society.](https://www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjYyOGMyZGNkLTg4NTktNGRkNi04NjYwLWI5NTg1N2MwNDJlZjo3NTU4M2UwNy00ZjA4LTQ2NzAtOGYxZS05MjFiYTJhZThiOTU=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
9. National Stone Centre
Viv Russell IQ president pictured. Set within six former limestone quarries on a 40 acre Site of Special Scientific Interest, the NSC has been welcoming casual visitors, school children, students and industry professionals to its Site of Special Scientific Interest since 1990, educating the public on the UK's geology and the story of stone - from the beginning of time to the importance of its present day uses across society. Photo: Brian Eyre
![The piazza will be used to host community events.](https://www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjQ5ZmNmMzdhLTczNmItNGUyZi1hZjEyLWY3OGM5Yzc4NTY5YjpiZGQzMTA3Yi04NWM3LTQ1ZWQtOThjOC05ZWMyYmM5NzkzYzg=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
10. National Stone Centre
The piazza will be used to host community events. Photo: Contributed
![The design for the building makes it appear to spring out of the hillside, mirroring the rock formations which surround it.](https://www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmYzMGJjYmI4LTMyNjgtNDFhYi1hYTg3LWI3NzAzNWRhZmYxMjo5ZDQ1OGY0Zi01NzNiLTQyMDgtOWIxNS1iMDc5NzA5MjU4OTg=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
11. National Stone Centre
The design for the building makes it appear to spring out of the hillside, mirroring the rock formations which surround it. Photo: Contributed
![It has been inspired by local gritstone outcrops, such as Black Rocks and Stanage Edge.](https://www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjAyZGIwNzc3LWQ3YmYtNDJhNi1hYjczLTE2NmRiZWJhYmRjNjpmYjc1ZDBmOS1hMThlLTQwNjItOTc4MS02MDZkM2QxOGFjMzc=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
12. National Stone Centre
It has been inspired by local gritstone outcrops, such as Black Rocks and Stanage Edge. Photo: Contributed