Work begins on £22m scheme at historic mills

Work has started on a £22m scheme to redevelop Milford Mills into 69 homes.
Wavensmere Homes started the build at the site, which overlooks the River Derwent, between Belper and Duffield in north Derbyshire.
The scheme is sited on the historic brownfield site, which is within the Derwent Valley Mills UNESCO World Heritage Site and will bring forward the redevelopment of former commercial premises into 42 two- and three-bedroom houses and 27 one- and two-bedroom apartments.
Ground and site enabling works across the 4.7-acre site are underway, with the first phase of construction to incorporate 10, two- and three-bedroom houses.
A second phase of 15 three-bedroom houses will be completed before the end of 2026. The handover of the waterside apartment building and the full redevelopment, restoration and construction programme is scheduled to conclude by mid-2027.
James Dickens, managing director of Wavensmere Homes, said: “Locals have been waiting for many years to see this unique and prominent site – in the centre of one of North Derbyshire’s most well-regarded villages – get the green light for redevelopment. Milford’s beautiful rural setting, community spirit, and easy access to Derby and the Peak District, makes it very desirable. But the chronic shortage of homes has led to people moving out of the area to find suitable housing.
“Milford Mills’ 69 energy-efficient houses and apartments will cater to first time buyers, families and downsizers. We are proud that local craftsmanship and our fine attention to detail will create a highly sustainable development that will add to the village’s vibrancy and appeal. With these natural stone homes becoming available to reserve, we are urging interested parties to register on our website.”
The site will also include 1.5-acres of public open space and the recent restoration of the Grade II-listed Dye House by Chevin Homes to form a 4,500 sq ft commercial premises.
The former 18th Century cotton mill housed some of the world’s first mechanised industrial spinning factories. The historic features that are being restored include the Mill Lade that now feeds a hydroelectric power plant downstream, along with the repair of all original stone boundary walls.