THE National Trust's (NT) coastal centre, perched on the cliff top at Ravenscar, has re-opened after a £60,000 facelift.

A new exhibition features the unique history of the landmark village, which was planned as a second Scarborough at the turn of the last century before the company behind the venture went bust.

Following the theme of This Exploited Land, a reference to the national park's extensive industrial heritage, the exhibition will focus particularly on how Ravenscar came to be at the heart of Britain's 17th century chemical industry.

The chemical alum, used for fixing dyes in cloth, was discovered at Ravenscar in 1640, by Sir Bryan Cooke.

Two large quarries were created to produce the stone from which alum was made and the industry flourished for 250 years.

A canon, used to protect the alum works from pirates, forms a focal point of the new exhibition.

After the Victorians discovered synthetic dyes, alum production slowed, and the village declined.

The exhibition explains why attempts to revive Ravenscar, by transforming it into a major new seaside resort, failed, leaving Ravenscar to be dubbed "the town that never was".

The exhibition has been created by design company Easytiger and was funded by the EU, Yorkshire Forward and the North York Moors National Park Authority.

Mel Cunningham, National Trust property manager on the Yorkshire coast, said: "Ravenscar has some fascinating stories attached to it, which the coastal centre now really brings to life.

"The new displays do a really good job of explaining the stories behind the intriguing remains of the alum works and brick works that you can still see just outside the town.

"National Trust staff and volunteers regularly organise guided walks for anyone wishing to explore further after looking round the exhibition.

Mike Pratt, head of information at the North York Moors National Park Authority, added: "The redevelopment of the Ravenscar centre has been funded through the North York Moors Sustainable Tourism Project.

"With this project, we are aiming to help visitors understand more about the special qualities of the national park and get them to stay longer here, spending more money locally.

"The new centre will really add to what there is to do and see in Ravenscar and the surrounding area."

The Ravenscar coastal centre is open on weekends and during school holidays in April and May. It will be open every day from June 1 to October 3, between 10.30am to 5.30pm.

Admission is free.

Updated: 12:40 Wednesday, April 14, 2004