£30K TO BE SPENT ON FUTURE OF MILLS
Options will be looked at to bring historic buildings back into use
CONSULTANTS are to be employed to look at all options for vacant unused mills in a Staffordshire Moorlands town.
At the last meeting of the ruling cabinet at Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, councillors approved a financial contribution of £30,000 to appoint consultants to deliver a commercial demand analysis and options appraisal to understand potential future uses, viability of proposals and identify barriers to re-development of nearly the many mills still standing empty in Leek.
In a report to councillors, executive director Neil Rodgers, said: “In 2001, a survey of remaining mill buildings in Leek was undertaken including associated warehouses to understand current and potential uses of the remaining 49 mill buildings within the town.
“This led to the development of a Leek Mill Strategy (2003) which recommended that the council prioritise six mills which were considered to be either of more historic value, were most at risk, were located in key sites or part of a wider complex.
“These mills were: London Mill (Ashbourne Road); Cross Street Mill/well Street Mill; York Mill; Big Mill; Portland Mill and Churnet Works.
“The remaining former mill buildings were not prioritised but were considered ‘opportunity sites’ where the council would respond to owner interest and support re-development proposals as appropriate.
“This has included the former British Trimmings Site, Prince Street Works (former Kerrygold site) and Compton Mill
“Despite several positive actions to support re-development, several mills still remain empty or underused and while not all are listed, they present an unattractive townscape, and their deterioration impacts on the built heritage of the town.
“As part of the 2019-2023 Corporate plan, a Leek Mill Quarter masterplan was proposed as a means of taking forward actions to address the remaining empty mills, primarily focused on London Mill and York Mill.
“The masterplan proposal was also proposed to incorporate the police station, former probation offices and health centre. Since the corporate plan was developed, the police service has indicated that they no-longer wish to co-locate into Moorlands House and the former probation offices have been let.
“At this point, a full masterplan is not recommended both due to change of circumstances, cost and capacity to manage a complex project brief with multiple sites and ownerships.
“It is therefore proposed that the council adopt a new approach which is focused on understanding current private sector investment aspirations and baseline financial assessment, potential enduse demand and barriers to redevelopment.
“This would enable the council to engage with relevant owners and develop an appropriate strategy to support redevelopment where we can add value.”
Speaking at the meeting, council leader Sybil Ralphs said: “Mills were very busy 30 or 40 years ago and were a hive of activity, now they are empty.
“A number of developments have been brought forward, like retirement apartments, but these are now saturated.
“There is no demand for loft-style apartments like in the city, as there is a lack of transport in the area.
“The police do not now want to go into Moorlands House and the probation offices have been let.
“Therefore, a new approach is required to seek qualified consultants to look at a master plan to bring the mills back into use. This will raise options to councillors and investors on the proposed next step. It will be a low-cost piece of work.
“We have been to Derby to look at a project. There were small units of two or three people working in them.
“We could have starter units, these would employ more people. This would be an opportunity for some people.”
Councillor Mark Deaville, deputy leader of the authority, said: “I support this approach.
“We have beautiful building which are the heritage of Leek. I support this, looking at viability and sustainability.
“It will bring young entrepreneurs into the town.”
Councillor Mike Bowen, who has the responsibility for communities on the council, said: “I welcome this. We have been on about it for years. I am so happy it is moving forward, let’s get it done.”