Kentish Express Ashford & District
Fire-hit landmark deserves some TLC
It was in last week’s Kentish Express that we saw the story about Ashford School wanting to sell the former nightclub and flour mill at East Hill mill following the school’s purchase of the landmark a few years ago.
It was initially thought the school would transform the 1901-built structure and barrelroofed former warehouse into teaching or accommodation facilities, but the school now wants to dispense with the asset from its portfolio.
As much as many of us enjoyed the nightlife at the venue when used as a nightclub, the former mill was plagued with notable incidences of anti-social behaviour, and although the nightclub operated in the evening, the school was never that keen of having a nightclub on its doorstep.
Shortly after the purchase, the school had plans drawn up by a London architect to transform the building, but no sooner than it did, plans were shelved and the former mill has since stood empty.
It is of great concern that the hugely recognised landmark isn’t listed and hasn’t been since the inferno that destroyed the adjoining Provender mill and mill house on May 16 1974.
It is one of the few remaining historic mills left in the county, and indeed the country, and is a reminder of one of the town’s past notable industries.
Its position over the ancient branch of the River Stour, known as the Lord’s cut, certainly narrows down the potential future uses of the former mill, but one hopes someone comes along with enough money to bring the site back into operation and perhaps its former glory.
The mill is in great need of care and needs a substantial amount of capital spent on it.
Upon visiting with the architect, it was obvious to me the mill had not been left in the best of conditions and the upper floors in the tower are largely dilapidated and have been for some time.
One former employee told me he lived in one of the flats in the tower at one time and was horrified at the state of the building today.
This week’s trio of images illustrate East Hill mill during different periods in its colourful history.
■ Do you have any photographs or slides of old Ashford you would be willing to loan me to enable them to be scanned for possible feature in the Kentish Express?
Please don’t delay, feel free to get in touch.
Write to me: Steve Salter, Kentish Express Remember When, Unit 4, Park Mall Shopping Centre, Ashford, Kent, TN24 8RY.
Email me: rememberwhen_ kmash@hotmail.co.uk
Follow me on Twitter: @ SteveKMAshford.