Housebuilder swoops for historic Derbyshire mill complex
Clowes Developments sold the historic Milford Mills to Derbyshire-based Chevin Homes.
Milford Mills was built in the 18th Century and was known as one of the most technologically-advanced facilities of its time. The new technology for spinning cotton was famously developed by Richard Arkwright at nearby Cromford Mills.The system was soon adopted by Arkwright’s competitors with mills and workers’ settlements being established in Belper, Darley Abbey, and Milford. The Derwent Valley cotton industry went into decline in the first quarter of the 19th Century. Many of the Arkwright-style mills and their associated buildings have since been preserved and repurposed to ensure the future use of these important landmark buildings.
Clowes Developments purchased Milford Mills which sits within 4.7acres of land adjoining the River Derwent on the A6 between Duffield and Belper several years ago. During their ownership, the mill has been utilised for office, retail, and warehouse purposes. Additionally, there has been a car wash business located in the car park, a turbo electric company occupying the turbine house and Derbyshire County Council have established Milford Primary School within the grounds of this historic site.
Chevin Homes approached Clowes with a plan to transform the historic building and has already applied for permission to demolish some factory buildings whilst retaining all the historic features including the mill building, famous 40m chimney and village school. Chevin hope to be on site this year to begin regeneration of this important site.
John Fearnehough, Director at Chevin Homes, said: “Chevin Homes are delighted to conclude this off-market deal with Clowes and look forward to regenerating this important and historic site.”
Thomas Clowes, surveyor at Clowes Developments, added: “It’s been a pleasure to be able to conclude the sale of this Derbyshire landmark to a well-respected local developer who will no doubt endeavour to nurture and regenerate the site to achieve its full potential. We wish them all the best for the future.”
