Historic England has published a new report exploring the potential of under-used and vacant mills. It identifies their possible contribution to rebalancing the country’s economy and improving environmental stability, and highlights regeneration success stories since 2017.
Textile mills were the original Northern Powerhouse. From the late 18th century onwards, they drove forward the industrial revolution. They triggered technical innovation, stimulated new trade and transformed the transport network. Silk, cotton, and woollen production shaped the landscape, economy, and communities of Greater Manchester, Lancashire, and Yorkshire. However, with the 20th century decline in national textile manufacturing, many of these monumental and characterful buildings face uncertain futures.
‘Driving Northern growth through repurposing historic mills’ re-assesses the re-use potential of under-used and vacant mills, identifies their possible contribution to rebalancing the country’s economy, and improving environmental sustainability, and highlights regeneration success stories since 2017.
The 2021 report update can be accessed by following this link: https://historicengland.org.uk/images-books/publications/driving-northern-growth-repurposing-mills/
It is based upon a more detailed technical assessment by Cushman & Wakefield.
Industrial Heritage Networks 