Alma Colliery, once a busy centre of coal production in Gelsenkirchen-Ückendorf, has a remarkable history. Founded in 1855 as Gewerkschaft Neu-Uerdingen, it began producing coal in 1872. With its striking Malakow winding tower, Shaft 1 became a symbol of the region's industrial growth.

The colliery's history is closely connected with international affairs. The name Alma may come from the Battle of the Alma, fought in 1854 between French and Russian forces. In 1873, the mining company was renamed Gewerkschaft Alma after the Uerdingen investors withdrew, leaving only the French shareholders.

A turning point came in 1877, when Friedrich Grillo and Emil Kirdorf initiated the founding of Gelsenkirchener Bergwerks-AG. The aim was to bring the collieries in the Emscher basin together under German management. Alma Colliery joined the new company in 1878 and operated alongside neighbouring Rheinelbe Colliery as Vereinigte Rheinelbe & Alma.

Alma Colliery also had to adapt to changing times. It remained in operation until the late 1970s, when coal production came to an end. The auxiliary shaft sites were built over or cleared completely. Its legacy lives on, however: today, the site is home to Alma Park, Europe's largest indoor leisure park.

Alma Park is a place for leisure and a reminder of the region's industrial history. It recalls the days when coal was king and the people who worked deep underground to extract it.

Next time you visit Alma Park, take a moment to consider the history of the site. It is a story of change, adaptation and reinvention: the story of Alma Colliery.