There has been a great deal of speculation for a number of years as to what would happen to the mill once it finally closed. Many rumours as to the mills future have been voiced; including assumptions that the mill would be left to rot, turned to housing or developed into small industrial units.
Being a Grade II listed building and an important part of New Mills's industrial past - that has been at the heart of the community for more than 200 years - it seems only fitting that New Mills should once again benefit from Torr Vale Mill with the mill becoming a centre that would serve the whole community.
With this in mind a partnership was formed between the mill owners, the local authorities, community groups, businesses and statutory agencies. The partnership organised feasibility studies and surveys to explore the practicalities, costs and funding for the project.
From this beginning the Torr Vale Mill Regeneration Project was created. The project - a joint venture between the mill owners and Derbyshire County Council - held a public meeting at New Mills Town Hall on 29th January 2001, where ideas were put forward for the regeneration of the mill and public opinion sought.
During the meeting it became clear that the people of New Mills wanted to see the mill used for the benefit of everyone in the community and also the development of arts in the area.
Mr Cunningham, the mill owner, stressed the importance of the Torr Vale Mill site and some of the uses it could possibly be put to, including; education, galleries, riverside restaurant, cinema and study areas.
Mr Donald Rae, on behalf of Derbyshire County Council, explained the educational possibilities, ranging from basic skills training, nursery provision, vocational training, LearnDirect, adult learning, to links with Manchester Metropolitan and Derby Universities. The present lifelong learning centre on Spring Bank Road would be moved to the new site.
Many other educational elements could involve an environmental centre for use by schools and other interested groups, adult learners, teacher training and visitors. The large floor areas of some of the mills larger buildings could be adapted as a conference venue, there could also be space made available for smaller meeting places for workshops, voluntary activities and small businesses.
Throughout the meeting the public were encouraged to contribute their ideas as to the mill's future, as for the project to suceed it needs the backing and support from the people of New Mills. At the meeting questionaires were handed out inviting feedback and comments from those present. The results of which were collated and can be found on the Report page.
If you so wish you can download the report (zipped) as either an MS Word document or RTF document.
Download Report as Word document (zipped) 333KB
