Planning & Design Practice are pleased to announce that they have become the first Corporate Supporter of Cromford Mills. This is as part of a new scheme to develop business partnerships to support the Arkwright Society, a charity which manages the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site.
Here, Joanne Williams, Development Manager for Cromford Mills details some of the history of this fascinating site, some recent activity and initiatives to secure a working future for the Mills, continuing it’s legacy of innovation.
The Mills are part of part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and occupy a unique space in world history as a place of innovation at the start of the Industrial Revolution. Arkwright’s mills and industrial systems pioneered a factory system which was the first example of mass production in the UK. They helped make Derbyshire the centre of sweeping commercial and social change that would permanently alter everything that followed. The stories and activity on site today are driven by conserving and sharing this remarkable story through imaginative reuse of its mill buildings for activities of contemporary relevance.
Cromford Mills Water Power Project
An exciting new development is the recently launched waterpower project, which has reinstated a large waterwheel and installed a hydro-turbine to power the mill buildings. Generating renewable energy on site is the first step towards the Mill’s goal of net-zero emissions and is a focal point for hands-on learning and innovation in renewable energy technologies. This project was a great example of how the Mill works with funders and partners including; Severn Trent Water, DCC’s Green Entrepreneurs Fund, Valliant, Gilkes, Derwent Hydro and James Boon Architects.
Antiques roadshow
In May the Mill welcomed the BBC on site to film the popular Antiques Roadshow with Fiona Bruce and a team of experts. Despite the weather, yes it rained all day with a brief break in the clouds early evening, 2800 people attended the event. Some jewels were discovered but we will all have to wait until the shows are screened later this year in three televised episodes. It was a great day and very exciting to see behind the scenes and have the opportunity to showcase the Mills on national TV.
Cromford Creative
A leading business centre located in the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, Cromford Creative provides offices to rent, coworking facilities, virtual offices and meeting rooms to some of the region’s leading companies. The Mill has been renovated to an exceptional standard. The beams are original, retaining the character of the building. With modern internal office specifications along with superfast broadband, beautiful surroundings and two lovely cafes just a stone’s throw away, what better place to start or build your business.
Find out more HERE
