Historic mill secures £1.3m lottery funding

The Arkwright Society described the restoration project as "once-in-a-generation"

A textile mill in Derbyshire that helped spark the industrial revolution has received more than £1m of funding for a "historic transformation".

Cromford Mills, built in 1771 by Sir Richard Arkwright, has secured £1.3m in development funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The Arkwright Society said the grant marked the beginning of a "once-in-a-generation project" to restore the site's Grade I listed buildings.

In a statement, it said the money would "fund the essential planning, consultation, and design work phase, laying the groundwork for the full restoration and sustainable reuse of these historic spaces".

Work at the attraction, which forms part of the Derwent Valley Mills Unesco World Heritage Site, will focus on the transformation of the landmark four-storey mill, Building 1, which greets visitors at the site's entrance.

Plans include creating new amenities including a restaurant beside the hydro power waterwheel that was installed last year and a visitor welcome hub along with event and function spaces.

"This milestone takes Cromford Mills a major step closer to being removed from Historic England's National Heritage at Risk Register and securing its future as a vibrant heritage destination and thriving community space," the society said.

Plans include creating a restaurant beside the site's waterwheel

Éilis Scott, the society's chief executive, added: "We're incredibly grateful to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and to all who support this project.

"Cromford Mills changed the world once, and we believe it can do so again - as a beacon of heritage, innovation and inclusion, rooted in our local communities."

Liz Bates, the National Heritage Lottery Fund's Midlands director, said: "We are pleased to support Cromford Mills with this initial grant of £1.3m.

"This internationally significant industrial heritage site has big ambitions for saving heritage at risk from deterioration and transforming how visitors experience and learn about the heritage of this remarkable place.

"Crucially, the long-range goals of this work will help put Cromford Mills on a solid footing for the future."