Major heritage project nears completion
A major heritage project in the Humber Bridge Country Park is nearing completion.
The ‘Quarry to Country Park’ scheme been funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and delivered by East Riding of Yorkshire Council and its contractors, Ashcourt Construction.
The project, which has included the refurbishment of the Humber Foreshore’s Hessle Mill, a rare example of an early nineteenth century whiting mill that once ground chalk from the nearby quarry, looks to improve access to the natural, industrial and social heritage of the Humber Bridge Country Park, a former chalk quarry and now forms part of the chalk walk trail running from the Humber Bridge car park (which is currently being used for COVID-19 testing) down to the foreshore and newly refurbished mill.
A £724,000 grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund funded most of the £968,869 project, with the council covering the remainder of the costs.
Dr Alex Ombler, Quarry to Country Park heritage project officer, explained : “The walk takes you on a journey of natural, industrial and social history exploring the Country Park’s former use as a chalk quarry, and explains in detail how this supplied the raw materials required for the mill to produce whiting.
“It also explores the social history of those working in each environment and how the quarry evolved into Little Switzerland and the Country Park you see today.”
Councillor Shaun Horton, portfolio holder for coastal regeneration and tourism at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “I am delighted that work is now very nearly complete on this exciting and fascinating project. I would once again like to thank the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and National Lottery players, for the funding we received.
“When more normal times return, the project will eventually unlock the tourism potential of this beautiful nature reserve, which is already popular with local people, by investing in the country park’s heritage assets. The work will help showcase the area in a visual way and allow people to explore the park’s history.
“Current restrictions mean we cannot yet open all the features of the mill, and of course we ask all visitors to ensure they maintain social distancing when visiting the Trail.”
David Renwick, director, England, North, for the National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “The combination of rare natural, and industrial heritage is an important part of the Humber Estuary. We are delighted that National Lottery players were able to support the preservation of Whiting Mill, improve access to the site, and enable a programme of activities to help uncover the geological, natural, and industrial heritage of the area, providing greater accessibility and understanding for the community, volunteers and visitors. By investing in iconic mills such as this, The National Lottery Heritage Fund not only contributes to the vitality of each of these buildings, but also to the wider places in which they sit, stimulating pride in communities and economic growth.”
