Businesses given notice to leave historic mill

Strutt's North Mill dates back to 1804

Businesses based at a historic mill in Derbyshire have been given notice their tenancies are ending.

Owners of Strutt's North Mill in Belper have written to tenants to tell them they must vacate the premises by 11 June.

The building dates back to 1804 and owners FI Real Estate Management want to convert it into residential, business and leisure use - though a planning decision has yet to be made.

The BBC contacted the company but it did not want to comment.

David Turner's embroidery company Benco has been based at the mill for six years.

He said he was "shocked" and "disappointed" to be given notice to leave.

"A few months ago we were booming, but then we got the rumours that things are going to close down here," he said.

Mr Turner said moving to a new base would not be straightforward as the company relies on using sewing machinery.

He added: "If you are office based, then yeah, it is easy, there is plenty of office space, but not for our operation with embroidery machines."

David Turner, from Benco, said he does not know what to do next

Jessica Mor, who runs a sportswear company called 3rd Rock, has also been given notice her tenancy would be ending.

She said there was a possibility she could move to a new base lower in the building but she did not know if it would be suitable and needed to consider the terms offered.

Ms Mor will soon enter a period of working away with her company at exhibitions and thinks finding a new base will be tricky as a result.

"It is worrying for us financially," she said.

"It could be such an amazing hub for businesses and the community."

Ms Mor fears for the impact the changes will have on her business

Both businesses say their bills for building maintenance have increased in recent months.

Benco's fee was £386 in December but it has since risen to £1,549 a month.

Community charity Fleet Arts and Belper Backpain Clinic said it also had to find a new base.

And pension company Cantwell Grove said it is in negotiations to stay at the site.

Belper Town councillor Ben Bellamy said some office-based businesses had already left the site, which introduced parking charges for the first time on Monday.

"It is a World Heritage Site and is also important to the local economy," he said.

"If we want tourists to visit and bring their money into the town and help grow the town's economy then we have got to have an offering that people don't just pass by."

'Fully committed to restoration'

The BBC approached FI Real Estate Management about the issue but it did not wish to comment.

Tim Knowles, founder and managing director of the company, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service in March he was fully committed to the preservation of Belper Mills.

He pointed out the firm's headquarters was in a 168 year-old former cotton mill in Lancashire, so he understood the value of renovating historic sites.

Mr Knowles added: "We remain fully committed to restoring Belper Mills to its former glory for future generations.”

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