Iconic mill to open after 30 years

The historic Grade I listed building at Cromford Mills will be transformed into a hub for creative businesses within weeks, following years of work.

The refurbishment has been made possible thanks to the Arkwright Society, a charity devoted to fundraising and restoring industrial and historical buildings in Cromford.

Sarah McLeod, chief executive of the Arkwright Society, said: “Building 17 is one of the most important heritage assets on the whole of the Cromford Mills site and we are delighted that it is soon to be restored to its former glory, taking us another step towards our long term aim of creating a sustainable future for the Cromford Mills.

“The restored Building 17 will continue the sense of entrepreneurism, innovation and creativity that characterised Arkwright’s mills.”

Cromford Creative will comprise of a cluster of individual and multiple managed workspace office units for single entrepreneurs, micro-businesses, social enterprises and SMEs within the creative sector.

Russell Rigby, managing director of Rigby & Co, who are agents for the scheme, said: “There is virtually no managed workspace provision within 10 miles of Cromford Mills, which is forcing local businesses to remain at home, or forced to travel to other schemes in Derby and further afield.

“Derbyshire is renowned as a hub for the region’s creative industries and Cromford Creative will complement the existing provision that already exists in for example, Derby city centre, with Connect Derby’s Friar Gate Studios and Sadler Bridge Studios, and also in Sheffield.

Cromford Creative represents the first phase of a stunning £50m regeneration and restoration masterplan for Cromford Mills by the Arkwright Society. This will transform Cromford Mills into a multi-use sustainable heritage, cultural, tourism and hospitality.