Work to preserve former mill begins

There are ambitious £2m plans to restore the neglected building at Warwick Bridge, near Carlisle, turning it into an artisan bakery.

But, before that can begin, the structure – on English Heritage’s “at risk” register since 1999 because of its deteriorating condition – is being made watertight.

Historic England has stepped forward with the money for work, which will see scaffolding erected around the building as the project gets underway.

The North of England Civic Trust is spearheading the transformation.

Repair work will focus on the kiln drying building, the roof of which has been exposed to the elements for nearly 20 years, causing problems for the walls and floor of the historic drying kiln below.

Tim Wilkins, of Historic England, said: “We are delighted to be able to help with this first step towards a secure and sustainable future for this important site.”

Building conservationists consider the grade II-listed mill, last worked in 1989, as a time capsule of days gone by, with its all-important water wheel surviving alongside features such as five sets of millstones, sack hoists and flour bagging machines.

Specialist conservation architect Jenny Gilliat is working on the project.

She said: “Finally getting access to the higher levels of the building has allowed us to have real insight into the way that the drying kiln contributed to the operation of this unique and very special structure.”

This work is ahead of the main phase of the project, which is backed by a £1.4m Heritage Lottery Fund grant. It is not expected to get underway until later this year.

The civic trust, which works across Cumbria, the north east and Yorkshire on building preservation projects, training in traditional skills and improving areas, believes the Warwick Mill project could be a landmark, bringing a major boost to the surrounding area.

Warwick Bridge Local History Group and Carlisle City Council are among those who have paid a keen interest in the scheme.