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Darley Abbey Mills and Stables Strategy Document > 2010
Darley Abbey Mills and Stables Strategy DocumentFinal
Project Part-Financed by the European Union
European Regional Development Fund
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Darley Abbey Mills and Stables Strategy Document > 2010
Contents 1. Introduction 6
2. GeneralBackground 8
3. DarleyAbbeyMills 10
4. DarleyParkandStables 12
5. KeyChallengesandOpportunities 14
6. WayForward 17
7. ProposedVisionfortheMills 18
8. FuturePolicyContext 20
9. PartnershipfortheMills 22
10. Addressingbarrierstoinvestment 23
11. Stables:WayForward 25
12. Implementation,Funding&Outcomes 26
Darley Abbey Mills and Stables Strategy Document > 2010
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Darley Abbey Mills and Stables Strategy Document > 2010
Mid 20th century aerial photograph of the Mills
Darley Abbey Mills and Stables Strategy Document > 2010
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Overview >
Darley Abbey Mills and Darley Park & Stables are a key part of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site and a vastly underappreciated asset for Derby.
The aim of this Strategy is to transform them from a declining backwater to a vibrant destination for business, leisure, tourism and cultural activity and to make them a flagship project for the working conservation of the WHS and the rejuvenation of Derby as a City of Culture.
Currently,theMillsandStablesaregenerallyrundownandunderutilised.Manyofthebuildingsaredeterioratingandthereisaveryrealriskthatsomewillbelost.Giventheinternationalimportanceofthebuildings,doingnothingisnotanoption.
TransformingDarleyAbbeyMillsandStablesintoavibrantandhighqualitydestinationforbusiness,leisure,tourismandculturalactivitieswilldelivermajorconservationandeconomicbenefitsforDerbyandtherestoftheWorldHeritageSite.ThecreationofaclearlydefineddestinationwouldcomplementratherthanchallengetheongoingregenerationoftheCityCentreandwouldalsohelprealisethe‘BlueCorridor’throughDerby.
Therearehowevermajorobstaclesthatneedtobeaddressedtoenablethisprocesstobegin.Theseinclude:floodrisk,vehicleandpedestrianaccess,planningpolicyuserestrictions,thegeneralconditionofthesite,urgentrepairrequirements,derelictionetc.
ThisdraftStrategysetsoutaproposedvisionforthefutureoftheMillsandStables,withaprioritisedprogrammeofpublicsectorinvestmentandsupporttoovercometheobstaclesandcreateapositiveenvironmentforlong-terminvestmentfromtheprivatesectortodelivernewusesforthebuildings.
Key aspects of the Proposals include:
• Amajorprogrammeofrepairandconservationworksforthehistoricbuildings
• Creationofhighqualitypublicrealmaroundthebuildings
• Rationalisedandimprovedcarparking
• ImprovedpedestrianandcyclelinkswithwiderareaandCityCentre
• Replacementorupgradedvehiclebridge
• ImprovedpublicaccesstotheMillsandStables
• UpgradingofHaslam’sLane
• FlooddefenceworksaspartoftheBlueCorridorMasterplan
• Developmentofanewplanningpolicyframework
• Long-termchangeinthemixofuseson-site(ledbyprivatesector)
ItisproposedthattheabovewillbedeliveredbyapartnershipbetweenDerbyCityCouncilandsiteowners;withsupportoftheDerwentValleyMillsWorldHeritageSitePartnership.
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Darley Abbey Mills and Stables Strategy Document > 2010
1. Introduction1.1 Background to Project
DarleyAbbeyMillsandtheStablesinDarleyParkhavebeenrecognisedasimportantplacesrequiringfurtheranalysisandlong-terminterventionforanumberofyears.The2005DerwentValleyMillsWorldHeritageSite(WHS)EconomicDevelopmentPlanclearlyidentifiedtheneedforaction;asdidtheWHSManagementPlanandthe2006DerbyCityCouncilLocalPlan.In2005aScrutinyReportfromDerbyCityCouncilalsohighlightedtheneedforcoordinatedandplannedactioninthispartoftheWorldHeritageSite.
TheMillsareakeypartoftheWorldHeritageSite(seeFigure1)andform,alongwiththeSilkMill,themajorelementsoftheSouthernHuboftheWHS.TheregenerationoftheSouthernHubisanestablishedpriorityfortheDerwentValleyMillsWorldHeritageSitePartnershipandforDerbyCityCouncil.DeliveringandfundingchangeinthispartoftheWHSisasimportantassecuringthefutureoftheothertwohubsfurthernorthatBelperandCromford.
ThisdraftStrategyisaresponsetoalongacknowledgedprioritytodeliveraviableandsustainablefutureforthisvitallyimportantpartoftheWHS.ItisalsotimelygiventhecurrenteconomiccircumstancesandtheimpactthatthishashadontheMillComplex.
TheStrategyhasbeencommissionedbyDerbyCityCouncilwithEuropeanRegionalDevelopmentandSingleProgrammefundingfromtheEastMidlandsDevelopmentAgency(EMDA).ThedevelopmentoftheStrategyhasbeenguidedbyaProjectTeamthatincludedrepresentativesofDerbyCityCouncilandtheDerwentValleyMillsWorldHeritageSitePartnership.EnglishHeritage,theEnvironmentAgencyandEMDAhaveallbeenconsultedduringthedevelopmentoftheStrategy.
ThedevelopmentoftheStrategywasledbyAtkinswithsupportfromSavillsandAbacus.
1.2 Scope of Report
TheStrategyaddressestheDarleyAbbeyMillsComplex,DarleyParkStablesandtheconnectionsbetweenthemandthewiderarea(seeFigures2and3).TheStrategyisnotintendedtoactasablueprintfortheregenerationofthevillageofDarleyAbbey,althoughitslong-termimplementationshouldbenefittheresidentsandvillage.
1.3 Status of Document
Thisstrategyhasbeenpreparedtohelpdemonstrateawayforwardforpartners.ItishopedthatthestrategywillbeadoptedbytheCityCouncilintheAutumn2010.
1.4 Strategy Aims
TheaimsoftheStrategyareto:
• OutlineasustainablewayforwardfortheDarleyAbbeyMillsComplexthatwillsupporttheirlong-termrepairandconservation;
• IdentifyaviablewayforwardfortheDarleyParkStablestoenabletheirrepair,conservationandre-use;
• EnsurethattheoutstandinguniversalvalueoftheWorldHeritageSiteisconservedandcommunicatedtocurrentandfuturegenerations;
• PromoteimprovementsintheimmediateenvironsthatcansupporttheregenerationoftheMillsandStablesanddeliverlocalbenefits;
• Establishadirectionforrealisingthefulltourismandeconomicpotentialoftheareatosecureitslongtermfuture;
• ProvideopportunitiesforpublicaccessandengagementwiththeWorldHeritageSite;and
• EnsurethatproposalsdelivereconomicbenefitsforDarleyAbbey,theCityandWorldHeritageSite.
1.5 Consultation
FormalconsultationeventswerestagedinDarleyAbbeyinNovember2009andMay2010.Theeventstooktheformofastaffedexhibition.Attendeeswereabletoviewaseriesofexhibitionboardsandtodiscusstheprojectwithmembersoftheprojectteam.Attendeeswereencouragedtofilloutaquestionnaireattheeventortotakeitandreturninlater.
Intotalc.240peopleattendedtheeventsandatotalof108questionnairesandanumberofletterswerereturned.
MeetingshavealsobeenheldwithownersandoccupiersintheMillComplex,EnglishHeritage,theEnvironmentAgency,EMDA,DarleyAbbeySocietyandlocalresidents.
TheresponseshaveinformedthedevelopmentofthisStrategy.
1.6 Supporting Documentation
WorkontheStrategycommencedinlateJuly2009.Overthelast12monthsasignificantbodyofsupportingdocumentsandanalyticalworkhasbeencompleted.Keyelementsofthisinclude:
• DarleyAbbeyMillsOptionsReport(Atkins2010)
• DarleyParkStablesOptionsReport(Atkins2010)
• DarleyAbbeyMillsConservationPlan(Atkins2010)
• DarleyPark&StablesConservationPlan(Atkins2010)
Othersupportingdocumentsincluded:
• TourismPotentialReview(Atkins2010)
• PlanningPolicyandHistoryReview(Atkins2010)
• FloodRiskAssessment(Atkins2010)
• PublicRealmAppraisal(Atkins2010)
• ConditionsurveysforbuildingswithintheMillsComplex(22no)(Atkins2010)
• LandRegistrysearch(Atkins2009)(confidential)
• ReportonNovemberConsultation(Atkins2009)
Noneoftheabovewouldhavebeenpossiblewithoutthesupportoftheownersandoccupierswhoenabledaccesstothebuildingsandsuppliedvaluablehistoricalandcommercialinformation.
Darley Abbey Mills and Stables Strategy Document > 2010
Figure 1: World Heritage Site
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DARLEY ABBEY MILLS CONSERVATION PLANFigure B: Location in Relation to Derby Date: 11/09 Authorised: AC
DERBY CITY CENTRE
DARLEY ABBEY
SILK MILL
MILLS
STABLES
DARLEY ABBEY MILLS OPTIONS & FEASIBILITY STUDYFigure C: Local Area Date: 11/09 Authorised: AC
DARLEY ABBEY MILLS
STABLES
HASLAM’S LANE
DERBY CITY CENTRE
Figure 2: Relationship with Derby Figure 3: Local Area
KEY:
Railway Line
Train Station
River
A6
Derwent Valley
The Derwent Valley World Heritage Site
A6
MATLOCK BATH
World Heritage Site
Cromford Canal
River Derwent
River Derwent
DERBY
BELPER
A6
A6
A6LITTLE CHESTER
LITTLE EATON
DUFFIELD
MILFORD
AMBERGATE
WHATSTANDWELL
CROMFORD
DARLEY ABBEY
ALLESTREE
DARLEY ABBEY PARK & STABLES
DARLEY ABBEY MILLS
Darley Abbey Mills and Stables Strategy Document > 2010
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2. General Background 2.1 Location
DarleyAbbey,includingtheMillcomplex,ParkandStables,islocatedapproximatelytwokilometresnorthofthecentreofDerby.ThevillageislocatedonthewestsideoftheRiverDerwentwiththeMillcomplexovertherivertotheeast(seeFigures2and3).
Theprivatelyownedmillcomplexisdefinedtothenorthandwestbytheinsideofabroadbendintheriver.ThebuildingsaresituatedeithersideofaprivateroadknownasOldLane,whichlinksthecomplex,viaaprivatelyownedtollbridge,tothevillageofDarleyAbbey.
TheStableslieatthenorthernendofDarleyParkonthesouthernedgeofthevillage(seeFigure3).
2.2 Historic Context
DarleyAbbeyMills,thevillageandParkarehistoricallyentwinedandreflecttheimpactoftheindustrialrevolutionontheregion.Althoughtheareahadbeensettledformillenniaandhadalreadyseenmajordevelopmente.g.amonastery,village,DarleyHallandParkandsomeearliermills;itwasthearrivalofThomasEvansin1782whichtrulytransformedDarleyAbbey.
WiththesupportoftheindustrialistRichardArkwright,ThomasEvansfoundedtheBoar’sHeadMillsin1782withthebuildingofLongMill.ThiswasfollowedbyMiddle,East,WestandNorthMills.Thesemassivemillsweresurroundedbyancillarybuildingsusedforcottonpreparation,storage,bobbinspinning,asawmill,coppicestoresandstables.
Theneedforaregularworkforceledtothefoundationin1790ofaworkers’villageinDarleyAbbey.ThishistoricsettlementsurvivesvirtuallyintactandincludesTheSquare,FourHouses,buildingsinMileAshLaneandLavenderRowandNos3-16BrickRow.ThevillageSchoolHousewasbuiltin1826.
TheHallandParkpre-dateThomasEvans.TheiroriginislinkedtotheformerAugustineMonesteryofStMary.The18thcenturyHallwasdesignedbytheeminentDerbyarchitectJosephPickfordwhilsttheParkwaspossiblylaidoutbyWilliamEmes,aleadinglandscapearchitect.ThomasEvanstookownershipoftheHallin1814.AllthatremainsoftheHallnowarethebasements,Stables,BakehouseandformerBilliardRoom(nowtheTerraceCafé).
Togetherthevillage,Mills,ParkandsurvivingremainsoftheHallformanensembleofoutstandingculturalvaluethatreflectsDerby’sworld-widestatusinthe18thand19thcenturycenturies.
2.3 Designations
TheentiretyofthestudyareaisincludedwithintheDerwentValleyMillsWorldHeritageSite,inscribedin2001.TheMillsandStablesalsoliewithintheDarleyAbbeyConservationArea.
ManyofthebuildingswithintheMillcomplexarelisted(seeFigure4).LongMill,MiddleMill,EastMill,WestMill,EngineHouse,BobbinShop,CoppiceBarnA,theWatchHouseandtheChimneyareallGradeIListedBuildings.Thisisthehighestleveloflisting.NorthMill,the‘proto-fireproofbuilding’andtheopenfrontedshedareGradeII*ListedBuildings,whilsttheSawMill,CoppiceBarnB,Nos1-3OldLaneandNo4OldLaneareGradeIIListedBuildings.Theotherpre-1948historicbuildingsinthecomplexformpartofthecurtilageandsettingoftheListedBuildings.
TheStablesandBakehousearegradeIIlisted.TheformerBilliardRoomiscurtilagelisted.
2.4 Policy Context
2.4.1 National & Regional Policy
KeynationalplanningpolicyguidancerelevanttotheMillsandStablesinclude:
• PPS1‘DeliveringSustainableDevelopment’(IncludingitsClimateChangeSupplement)
• PPS3‘Housing’
• PPS4‘PlanningforProsperousEconomies’
• PPS5‘PlanningfortheHistoricEnvironment’
• PPG13‘Transport’
• PPS25‘Development&FloodRisk’
KeypoliciesintheEastMidlandsRegionalPlan(March2009)includePolicy26:ProtectingandEnhancingtheRegion’sNaturalandCulturalHeritageandPolicy27:RegionalPrioritiesfortheHistoricEnvironment.
2.4.2 Local planning policy
TheadoptedDerbyCityLocalPlan(2006)identifiestheMillsasaRegenerationpriorityareaunderPolicyRP6,thisstatesthat:
R6 Darley Abbey Mills
DarleyAbbeyMillsisidentifiedasasiteofsignificantarchitecturalandhistoricalvaluethatpresentsamajoropportunityformixeduseregeneration.Planningpermissionwillbegrantedfortheconversionofexistingbuildingsforthefollowingusestosecuretheretention,restoration,maintenanceandcontinueduseoftheListedBuildings,providingtheyarecompatiblewithitsarchitecturalandhistoricalcharacter:
a.Businessuse(B1);
b. Residential(C3)
c. Non-residentialinstitutions(D1)
AlldevelopmentproposalsshouldfullyrespectthehighqualityenvironmentandconservationinterestsoftheMillscomplexanditsimportantcontributiontotheWorldHeritageSite.Tothisend,theCouncilwillrestrictnewextensionsandwherepossible,willnegotiatetheremovalofmodernadditions.Withinthemainlyopenareainthenorth-easternpartofthesite,builtdevelopmentwillonlybeacceptableinexceptionalcircumstanceswhereaconvincingcasecanbemadethatthebenefitsofthedevelopmenttotheMillscomplexoutweighitsvisualimpactonthesettingoftheListedBuildingsandonthecharacteroftheConservationAreaandthatoftheWorldHeritageSite.
OtherkeypoliciesincludeE18‘ConservationAreas’,E19‘ListedBuildings&BuildingsofLocalImportance’,andE29‘ProtectionoftheWorldHeritageSiteanditsSurroundings’.ThelatterseekstoensurethatdevelopmentwhichwouldhaveanadverseeffectonthespecialcharacteroftheWHSisresisted.Thepolicyseeksonlytopermitdevelopmentwhichwould:
a) Preserveandenhancethespecialcharacterofthearea;
b) Encouragethephysicalandeconomicrevitalisationofthearea;
c) Ensurethatnewbuildingsenhancetheareaintermsofsiting andalignment,useofmaterials,mass,scaleanddesign;and
d) Toensurethatnewdevelopmentdoesnotharmbiodiversity andwherepossibleconservesandenhancesit.’
TheLocalPlanisduetobereplacedbytheemergingCoreStrategyinlate2011.
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Darley Abbey Mills and Stables Strategy Document > 2010
Figure 4: Listed buildings in Mill Complex
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3.1 Overview
TheDarleyAbbeyMills,knownhistoricallyasthe‘Boar’sHeadMills’,arealargecomplexofinternationallyimportantcottonspinningmillsandassociatedbuildingsontheRiverDerwentinDerby.Thefollowingprovidesasummarydescription,overviewoftheirdevelopmentandoutlinestheirsignificance.FullerdetailscanbefoundintheConservationPlan(Atkins2010).
TheywerefoundedbyThomasandEdmundEvansin1782andoperatedundertheEvansnameuntiltheirclosurein1970.Theyformed,alongwiththeArkwrightmillsatCromfordandtheStruttmillsatBelper,MilfordandDerby,oneofthethreemostsignificantlate18thand19th-centurytextileenterprisesoftheDerwentValley.
TheMillscomplexissurroundedonthreesidesbytheRiverDerwent.Fromthewestthecomplexisaccessedacrossasteelandconcretebridge,originallybuilttoconnectthemillswiththeworkers’village.Thebridgewasrebuiltin1934althoughthepiersmaybeearlier.
Thecomplexfeelsdetachedfromitssurroundinglandscape.Surroundedbymaturetreesontheriverbanktotheeast,northandwest,andboundedbythelongrangeofthesawmilltothesouth,thecomplexisinwardlookingandhasaselfcontainedfeel.Thetreeswerehowevermoreactivelymanagedinthepastandtherewasgreaterdegreeofvisualconnectionwiththevillageandriver.
Itiseffectivelydividedintotwoparts,withthemaincottonspinningmills,exceptNorthMill(Building9),lyingtothesouthofOldLane(orHaslam’sLane)andmostoftheancillarybuildingslyingtothenorth.
Theearliestbuilding,LongMill,waserectedin1782-3ontheeasternbankoftheDerwentandthiswassoonjoinedbyotherworkshops,warehousesandapickingroom.Themillwasseverelydamagedbyfirein1788anditisunclearhowmuchoftheoriginalmillsurvivesinthepresentbuilding.However,itislikelythatthebrickandstonecarcassofthemillsurvivedthefireandthatthiswasraisedfromfourstoreystofiveplusanatticintherebuilding.
Aneastwardsextension,laterknownasMiddleMill,wasprobablyaddedbetween1804and1805.Thiswasseverelydamagedbyfirein1947,afterwhichitwasre-flooredandre-roofed.TwootherbuildingsareroughlycontemporarywithMiddleMill.Firstly,thenowderelictManager’sHouse.Secondly,the‘proto-fireproofbuilding’whichisofgreattechnologicalsignificanceasitincorporatesoneofonlytwoknowninsitusurvivalsofaproto-fireproofconstructionaltechniquepioneeredbytheStruttsofBelperinthe1790s.
TheconstructionofEastMill,whichisattachedtoMiddleMill,beganin1818.Unlikeitsprecursorsitisbuiltinfireproofconstruction,withbrickvaultssupportedbycast-ironbeams,andisnotableparticularlyfortheformofitscast-ironroof.WestMill,alsofireproof,wasaddedintwophasesbeginningin1821.Itseemstoincorporatepartsofanearlierwheelhouse.ItislikelythatLongMillwas‘fireproofed’withsheetmetalandthetimberstairreplacedinbrickandstoneataboutthesametime.
NorthMillwasprobablybuiltcirca1835.ItresemblesWestMillinitsuseoffireproofconstructionandinsomeofthedetailsofitsroof,butismoresubstantiallybuilt,suggestingthatitwasintendedfordifferentmachineryorprocesses.Acontemporaryreturnrangeatthewesternendwasdemolishedbeforetheendofthe19thcentury.
Allofthesedevelopmentswereaccompaniedbyotherbuildingworkswithinthecomplexincludingtheexcavationandfrequentrealignmentofthemillleats,buildingofofficesbuildings,sawmills,coppicebarnsandnumerousotherancillarystructuresthatwhilstnotasimpressiveasthemainmillswereequallyimportanttothefunctioningofthecomplex.
Thecomplexoperatedcontinuouslythroughoutthe19thcenturyandthroughtothemiddleofthe20thcentury.Howevertextilemanufacturing,latterlyconfinedtofinishingprocesses,ceasedin1970.Fromthe1960suntilrecentlytwoengineeringfirms,EllisonMetalProductsLtdandPatterns[Derby]Ltd,havebeentheprincipaloccupants,butmuchofthesiteisalsolettosmallerfirms.
The20thcenturyalsosawtheculvertingandinfillingoftheleats,theremovalofthemachinery,includingthelargeengines,wheelsandgearingfromwithinthemillbuildingsandtheconversionofthemillbuildingsandancillarystructurestootheruses.
However,theheightandmassingofthemillbuildings,thefunctionaluseofbrick,uniformuseofsashwindows,andthemazeofancillarybuildingsstillevoketheinnovationandfeverousindustrialismoftheearlyfactorydevelopment.
Althoughthenatureoftheindustrieswithinthecomplexhaschangedconsiderablyoverthelast50years,itstillremainsaplaceofworkandactivity,althoughwithhighlevelsofvacancy.However,ithasbeeninastateofphysicaldeclinesincethemid20thcentury.Thishadleadtothelossofsomesignificantelementsandtheintroductionofsomehighlyinappropriatemodernshedsandnewbuildings.
Thegeneralconditionofsomeofthebuildings,poorqualityofopenspace,signageandfencing,uncontrolledparkingandtrafficflow,andthenatureofsomeoftheindustriesonthesite,allcontributetothedegradationofhistoriccharacterandthepoorpresentationofthemillscomplex.Theappearanceofthesiteisgenerallysomewhatrundown,whichisdetractingfromthesignificanceofthecomplexandwiderWorldHeritageSite.
3. Darley Abbey Mills
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Theseincludedpickingroomsforselectingrawcotton,bobbinshopsforturningthecottonreels,coppicebarnsforstoringtimber,asawmill,stablesforworkingponies,storesand–essentialgiventheeverpresentriskoffire–abuildingforafireengine.TheEvans’papermillontheoppositesideoftheriveralsoproducedthepapertowrapandpackagethefinalproducts.Itwasthesebuildingsthatallowedthefactorytooperateeffectivelyandcompetitively,andalsocontributedtotherangeofskillsrequiredfromtheworkforce.Theancillarybuildingsarethereforeanintegralpartofthecomplexand,toagreaterorlesserextent,theOutstandingUniversalValueoftheDerwentValleyMillsWorldHeritageSite.
Social welfare
ThebuildingsatDarleyAbbeyMillsarealsosignificantinreflectingthesocialhistoryoftheworkplace.OfhighimportanceisevidenceoftheschoolroomintheatticinLongMill,recordedin1792,whichistheearliestknownexampleofitskind,predatingthebetterknownexamplesatStrutt’sNorthMillinBelper(c.1803).Theexistingpartitioning,pegsandrooflightsprobablyrelatetotheuseoftheatticasaschoolroom.TheDiningRoomalsoillustratesthesocialprovisionofthemillownersfortheirworkers,providingfromtheearly19thcenturyahotmealforall.Theworkers’villagebuiltbytheEvansfamilyontheoppositesideoftheDerwenthassurvivedalmostintact.OnlytheEvans’ownmansions,theirfarm,andthepapermillhavebeendemolished.Thereisnodiscerniblepatterninthedistributionofthesehouses,builtovermorethanfourdecadesfromc.1790onwards:thiscaninnosensebeconsideredtobeaplannedormodelcommunity.However,intherangeanddiversityofhousetypesitcomparesfavourablywithCromfordandBelper.ThebridgeovertheDerwent,althoughalaterreplacement,isthereforesignificant,linkingtheworkerwithworkplace.
The mills today
Althoughthecottonspinningmachineryhasbeenremoved,thewaterwheelsscrapped,theleatsandtailracefilledin,DarleyAbbeyMillsremainsanexceptionalexampleofanearlyindustrialcomplex.Theextentofsurvival,togetherwiththatoftheworkers’village,providesclearevidenceofthescaleofproductionofthemillsatitsheight,aswellasthediversityofdifferentfunctionsneededtosupportthefactoryprocessfromrawmaterialtofinishedproduct.EachofthesurvivinghistoricstructuresatDarleyAbbeyMillsarethereforeattributesoftheOutstandingUniversalValueoftheDerwentValleyMillsWorldHeritageSite.
Associations
PartofthesignificanceoftheDarleyAbbeyMillsisitsassociationwiththeleadingindustrialistsworkingintheDerwentValleyinthelate18thcentury.ProminentamongstthesewasRichardArkwright,whopioneeredthedevelopmentofthewaterpoweredcottonspinningmillandprovidedtheblueprintforfactoryscaleproduction,andwhoencouragedandsupportedtheEvansesintheirdevelopmentofthemillsatDarleyAbbey.AlsocloselyassociatedwiththeEvansfamilythroughmarriageandcommercewasJedediahandhissonWilliamStrutt.Allweresuccessfulindustrialists,whoseeconomicinterestsextendedwellbeyondcottonmanufacturing.Theywerealsoenlightenedemployerswhodisplayedastrongsenseofresponsibilityfortheirworkforce,theirdependantsandforthecommunitiesthatcameintobeingtoservethenewindustrialsystem.Assuch,thedevelopmentsatBelper,beginningin1776-77,atMilfordin1781,andDarleyAbbeyfrom1782,providedearlymodelsforthecreationofindustrialcommunities.
The cotton spinning mills
Themillcomplexwasnotdesignedasasingleentity,andthestandingbuildingsreflectthedevelopmentofmillbuildingtechnologyinthelate18thandearly19thcenturies.FollowingthedisastrousfirethatdestroyedtheoriginalLongMillin1788,everyeffortwasmadetoprotectthebuildingsfromfire.Theproto-fireproofbuilding(Building4,c.1797-1801)isoneofthemostsignificantbuildingswithinDarleyAbbeyMillsandisoneofonlytwoknownsurvivingexamplesoffireretardingconstructionpioneeredbytheStrutts(theotherbeingatWaltonWorks,Chesterfield).BuildingserectedonthesameprinciplebytheStruttsinDerby,MilfordandBelperhaveallbeendemolished,thoughimportantrecordsoftheirformexist.Theproto-fireproofbuilding,adaptedtotestfireproofingtechnologyafterthedevastatingfireatLongMillin1788,demonstratestheclosesharingoftechnologybetweentheEvansandtheStruttsfamilies.TheinnovationsdevelopedwithinthisbuildingledtotheconstructionofthefireproofingtechnologyseeninEastMill,WestMillandNorthMill,whicharecharacterisedbytheuseofbrick‘jack-arch’ceilings,castironsupportingcolumnsandbluebrickortileflooring.
The ancillary buildings
Thesuccessofthemillswasalsodependentontherangeoffunctionsperformedintheancillarybuildingsthathelpedprocesscottonfromrawmaterialtofinalproductwithinasinglefactorysite.
3.2 Statement of Significance
Overview
The former Darley Abbey Mills at Darley Abbey is the most complete surviving cotton mill complex in the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site.Itincludeswithinitsomeexceptionalexamplesofearlylargescalefactorybuildings,notablytheLongMill(Built1782,rebuilt1788),MiddleMill(Built1804-5,rebuilt1947),EastMill(Builtc.1818),WestMill(Builtc.1821)andNorthMill(Builtc.1835),aswellastheproto-fireproofbuilding,anearlyandraresurvivingexampleofpioneeringfire-proofingtechnology(Builtc.1797).ThesocialhistoricalsignificanceofthesiteisillustratedbytheschoolroomintheatticofLongMill(c.1792),whichistheearliestknownexampleofitskind,predatingthebetterknownexamplesatStrutt’sNorthMillinBelper(c.1803).Thesignificanceofthemillscomplexisheightenedbythenearcompletesurvivalofitsassociatedworkers’settlementatDarleyAbbeyontheoppositesideoftheRiverDerwent.
DarleyAbbeyMills,togetherwiththeindustrialcomplexesatMassonMill,Cromford,BelperandMilfordMills,LeaBridge,PeckwashMillandtheSilkMillinDerby,formpartofaculturallandscapeofoutstandingsignificance.PoweredbythewatersoftheRiverDerwent,itwasherethatthemodernfactorysystemwasestablishedtoaccommodatethenewtechnologyforspinningcottondevelopedbyRichardArkwright.Theinsertionofindustrialestablishmentsintoarurallandscapenecessitatedtheconstructionofhousingfortheworkersinthemills,andtheresultingsettlementscreatedanexceptionalindustriallandscapethathasretaineditsqualitiesovertwocenturies.Intermsofindustrialbuildings,theDerwentValleymillsmaybeconsideredtobeexceptional,inthesensethattheywerethefirstofwhatwastobecomethemodelforfactoriesthroughouttheworldinsubsequentcenturies.
ThemillsatDarleyAbbey,alsoknownasthe‘Boar’sHeadMills’,wasfoundedin1782andcontinuedtodevelopandexpandforalmost190yearsuntiltextilemanufacturingfinallyceasedin1970.TheprimaryphaseofdevelopmentlastedfromthebuildingofLongMillin1782(rebuilt1789followingafirein1788)toaboutthemid19thcentury,afterwhichdevelopmentbecamemorepiecemeal,withnofurthersignificantelementsbuiltafterc.1897.Despitecontinuinguseandadaptationduringthe20thcentury,remarkablyfewelementsofthecomplexhavebeenlostorentirelycompromised.Itis,today,themostcompleteofthesurvivingcottonmillcomplexesintheDerwentValleyMillsWorldHeritageSite.
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TheGradeIIListedStablesandadjacentBakehouseandthecurtilagelistedformerBilliardRoom,nowTerraceCaféaretheprimaryfocusoftheStrategywithinthevillage.ThefollowingbrieflyexploresthehistoryandsignificanceoftheseinthecontextofthewiderParkandformerDarleyHall.FullerdetailscanbefoundintheDarleyParkandStablesConservationPlan(Atkins2010).
4.1 Historic Overview
ThefinalDarleyHallwasbuiltin1727(demolishedin1962),butthehistoryoftheareastretchesbacktoatleasttheRomanperiodandisassociatedwiththeRomanFortatLittleChester.ThesiteofthemedievalMonasteryofStMary,atonepointthelargestandwealthiestmonastichouseinDerbyshireliesintheareaanditislikelythatareasoftheParkformedpartofitsprecinct.TheridgeandfurrowseenwithintheParkisanotablefeatureillustratingtheagriculturaleconomyofDarleyAbbeyandsubsequentchangesinlanduseinthelatermedievalperiod,aswellastheevolutionofthedesignedlandscape.
TheformerDarleyHallisofnoteduetoitsassociationwithJosephPickford(1734-1782).PickfordwasoneoftheleadingprovincialarchitectsinthereignofGeorgeIII.HemovedtoDerbyinc.1759andthehousehedesignedforhimself,Number41FriarGate,isnowthePickford’sHouseMuseumoperatedbyDerbyCityCouncil.HeworkedthroughouttheMidlands,primarilydesigningtownandcountryhousesinthePalladianstyle.DarleyHall,transformedfromanearlierbaroquestructuretoamodestbutsolidPalladianhouse,wastypicalofhisworks.AlsoofnoteistheassociationwiththeportraitpainterJosephWright(1734-1797)whopaintedtheownerRobertHoldenin1779.WilliamEmes,ahighlysuccessfullate18thcenturylandscapedesignermayhavealsobeeninvolvedintheParkbutthishasnotbeenconfirmed.
ItistheassociationwiththeEvansfamilythatmakesDarleyHallandParkparticularlysignificantandjustifiesitsinclusionwithintheWorldHeritageSite.Bythetimetheyhadacquiredthepropertyin1814,theworkers’villageandBoar’sHeadMillontheoppositesideoftheDerwentwerealreadywellestablished.AlthoughtheEvansdidnotactuallybecomeresidentuntil1844,itwasfromherethatSamuelEvansandlaterhissonWalteroversawthemanagementofwhatbythenhadbecomeamatureandsuccessfulindustry.
WhilstthechangesbroughtaboutbytheEvanseswererelativelyminor–notablythealterationtothestableblock,theconstructionoftheBilliardRoomandsomeplantingwithintheparkland–theyhaveenduredandhelpcharacterisethesurvivinghistoricfabricandlandscape.
DerbyCityCouncilhasownedtheHallandParksince1931andhasmaintainedandenhancedthelandscape.Thisisnowanimportantcommunityresource.
WhilstarguablymostofthestructuresandlandscapingwithinDarleyParkpredatetheownershipoftheEvansfamily,itstillstandsasagoodexampleofthewealthandtastesofthemillowningclasses.
The development of the Stable complex
ThehistoricfabricoftheStablecomplexreflectsthedevelopmentofthehouseandParkfromtheDissolutiontotheearly20thcentury.
ThereisapossibilitythatthetimbersintheNorthRangecamefromoneofthebuildingsconstructedbyWilliamWestwithintheformerprioryprecinctafter1541buttheexistingNorthRangeislikelytodatetotherebuildingofDarleyHallin1727andmayreflectarchitecturalelementsoftheHallthatwereremovedorcoveredduringthealterationsandre-frontageofthehousebyPickfordinthe1770s.
ThechangesundertakenbytheEvansesinthe19thcenturysawtherebuildingoftheWestRangetoaccommodatethecarriagearchanddrive,there-orientationofthestablesintotheexistingyardandtheinsertionofhighqualityfittingswithinthestablebays.
ThefinalmajorphaseofdevelopmentwastheinstallationofagarageandboilerheatingsystemforMrsEvans’1912Daimlerandaccommodationforthechauffeurabove.
Therooftimbers,horsebays,limeashflooring,exteriorandinteriordoors,boilerandpipes,togetherwitharchitecturalevidenceofalterationanddevelopment,arethereforesignificantinillustratingthehistoricaldevelopmentofthebuildingandthestatusinwhichthestables(andtheiroccupants)wereheld.
4. Darley Park and StablesFigure 5: Plan of stables complex
Village Hall
Cottages
Stables Complex Study Area
Toilets
Terrace
Key:
Bakehouse
StablesNorthern
Range
StablesWestern Range
Cottages
TerraceCafe
DARLEY ABBEY REGENERATION STRATEGY Figure 3: Plan of Stables Complex Date: 10/10 Authorised: AC
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4.2 Key Significant Features
Thefollowingsummarisesthekeysignificantfeaturesofthesurvivinghistoricbuildingsandlandscape,afullerdescriptioncanbefoundintheConservationPlan.
The Stables
ThestablerangeissignificantintermsofillustratingthehistoricdevelopmentofDarleyAbbey.ThehorsestallswithintheStables,includingallhistoricfeatures,troughs,partitions,hayfeeds,feedchutes,tetheringrings,glazedtiling,stonesetflooring,ventilation,doors,doorfittingsandwindows,aregoodexamplesofhighqualityequinearchitecture.Keyfeaturesinclude:
• Thehorsestalls,tackroomandgroom’sroomandtheirfeaturesandfittingsintheNorthernandWestRangesofthestableblock;
• ThelimeashfloorsinNorthRangeofthestableblock;
• TherooftimbersintheNorthRange;
• OtherfixturesandfittingsintheStables,includingthehorizontalsashwindows,stableandcoachhousedoorsintheWestRange;
• Thestructures,fittingsandfeaturesrelatingtotheearlyuseoftheStablesasagarage.
The Bakehouse
TheBakehouse,oncepartoftheservicewingoftheHall,isnotabuildingofexceptionalarchitecturalqualityorhistoricalinterest,butitssignificanceliesinbeingpartofthecollectivevalueoftheDarleyHallcomplexandassociationwiththeEvansperiodofoccupation.
The Billiard Room and Terrace
TheBilliardRoomandTerraceareallthatsurviveoftheformerDarleyHall(demolished1962).TheTerrace,althoughsubstantiallyaltered,offerskeyviewsacrosstheparkastheymayhavebeenseenfromthehouse.ThewalltotherearoftheTerraceisamodernconstructionandisnotofsignificance.TheBilliardRoomwasalateradditiontotheHall,butstillgivessomeindicationastothescaleandarchitecturalformoftheformerbuilding.
The Park
DarleyParkisoneofthreeassociatedhistoricdesignedlandscapeswithintheWorldHeritageSite.Althoughmanyofthetreeswerereplantedinthelater19thcentury,theoveralldesignoftheParkhasbeenlittlealteredsinceitwaslaidoutinthelate18thcentury.Keysignificantelementsinclude:
• Theleat,whichisshownonthe1708mapandmayrelatetoanearliermonasticmill,aswellasthelaterpapermill;
• PossiblearchaeologicalevidenceoftheRomanroad;
• Anysurvivingarchaeologicalevidenceoftheremainsofthemonastery;
• Theearthworkremainsofmedievalridgeandfurrowandassociatedheadlands;
• AllmaturetreesdatingtotheoriginallayoutoftheParkinthelate18thcentury.Theparklandoaks(someofwhichmaybeearlierthanthe18thcenturydesign)shouldbeconsideredofhighsignificance;
• TheexotictreesplantedwithintheparkandshrubberiesbytheEvansinthelater19thcentury,whichareillustrativeofVictoriantastesfornewlydiscoveredandunusualtrees.Anumberarenationallyimportantasthelargestoftheirspeciesorareparticularlygoodexamplesoftheirtype,notablythemulberrytreeandtheweepingsingleleavedash,anationallyrarespecies;
• Thestructuralremainsofthewalledgardenandassociatedfeatures;
• ThePlantHeritageNationalPlantCollectionofHydrangeasandViburnumswithintheformerwalledgarden,oneoffoursuchdesignatedcollectionsintheUK,andsignificantintermsofthemodern,laterhistoryofDarleyPark;and
• Thewildlifeinthemeadow,scrubandwoodlandalongtheleatandriverside.
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Attic in Long Mill
Former stables in the mill complex
ThefollowingbrieflyexaminessomeofkeyissuesandopportunitiesfacingtheMillsandStables.FurtherdetailscanbefoundintheMillsOptionsReport,StablesOptionsReport,MillsConservationPlanandPark&StablesConservationPlan(Atkins2010).
5.1 Condition of Buildings
ManyofthebuildingsintheMillcomplexrequiresubstantialandextensiverepairstosecuretheirlong-termsurvival;theStablesalsorequiremajorrepairandconversion.Aswellasthebuildings,thepublicrealmthroughouttheMillcomplexisinverypoorcondition.
TheLongMillisontheNationalHeritageatRiskRegisteranditisrecommendedthatWestMillisaddedtothisRegister.ItisalsorecommendedthattheentiretyofthecomplexisplacedattheLocalDerbyshireatRiskRegister.Theserecommendationsreflectthepoorconditionofmany(butnotall)buildingsandtheincreasinglevelsofvacancy.
TheManager’sHouse,WestMillandLongMillallrequireimmediateattentionandtemporaryurgentworks.ShouldthecurrentrateofdeclinecontinuethentheDarleyParkStables,NorthMillandtheProto-FireproofBuildingwillrequiresimilarworksinc.12months,theymayneedtobeaddedtotheHeritageatRiskRegisteratthattimetoo.Theshorttermpriorityisthereforetodeliverurgenttemporaryworkstosecuretheexternalenvelopeofanumberofthesebuildingstopreventtheirrapiddecay.
Thepoorconditionofthebuildingsandpublicrealmisaveryseriousthreattotheirsurvivalandhencesignificance.Itisalsoamajorbarriertoinvestmentandre-use.Withoutinvestmentandwithoutviablelongtermusesthebuildingswilldeclinefurther.Enablingnewusesandencouraginginvestmentmustthereforebeapriority.
5.2 Conserving Significance
Clearly,deliveringviableusesfortheMillsandStablesisafundamentalissuethatmustbeaddressediftheyaretobeconserved.Thereisthereforeaneedtoconvertandadaptthebuildingsformodernuses.Thisprocessmusthoweverbeundertakensensitivelyand,inaccordancewithNationalPlanningPolicyinPPS5,shouldseektoconservethesignificanceofthebuildings(seeSection4foranoverviewandtheConservationPlansforfullerdetails).
Acertaindegreeofcompromisewillhoweveralwaysberequiredbetweenthedesign&useaspirationsofadeveloperandtherequirementtoconservethesignificantfabricandcharacterofthebuildinginlinewithlegislationandnationalandlocalplanningpolicy.Theseissueswillhavetoberesolvedonacase-by-casebasisandthroughaprocessofnegotiationbetweenthedeveloper,DerbyCityCouncilandinthecaseofGradeIandGradeII*listedbuildingsandtheirsettings,EnglishHeritage.
TherearehowevermanyhundredsofexamplesofgoodpracticearoundtheUKwhichdemonstratethatitispossibletodeliversensitiveandviableschemesforbuildingssuchastheMillsandStables.
AswellasaddressingtheconservationissuesfacingtheMillstherearealsoanumberofopportunitiestoenhancethecomplex.Theseinclude:
• removinginappropriatemodernbuildingsandinfillstructures;
• removinglowqualityinternalpartitionsinsomebuildings;
• removingunsympatheticreplacementwindows,fittingsandfeatures;
• conservingandsupplyingaccesstotheatticintheLongMill;and
• addressingthelowqualityofmodernroadsurfaces,trafficmanagement(speedbumps)andsignage.
5. Key Challenges and Opportunities
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5.3 Location
InmanyrespectsthelocationoftheMillsandtoalesserextenttheStablesisbothanassetandaconstraint.TheCityedgelocation,distancefromcommercialcentresandlimitedvehicularaccess(seebelow)couldallworkagainsttheneedtoregeneratethearea.However,thelocationhasmanypositives.TheriversidepositionoftheMillscomplex,inparticularthestunningsouthfacingfrontageattherearoftheWestandLongMills,isamajorasset;asistheparklandedgelocationattheStables.TheassociationwithDarleyAbbeyisalsoapositiveasthisareaisviewedasoneofthemostattractiveanddesirablelocationswithintheCity.ThepresenceofDarleyParkandthepedestrian&cycleconnectionstothecitycentrearealsopositives.Thesemaysoonbeimprovedthroughtheprovisionoftheproposed‘Greenway’.
ItisclearthatwhilsttheMillsandStablescanbeconsideredasatertiarylocationintermsofthecitycentre,theyhavetheveryrealpotentialtobedevelopedasa‘destination’intheirownright–markinganewplacewithintheCityforbusiness,leisureandculturalactivity.Harnessingthefullpotentialoftheirlocation,whilstminimisingtheimpactofthenegativeissues,isakeychallengefortheMillsandStables.
5.4 Vehicular Access
TheMillsareveryconstrainedintermsofvehicleaccess.ThebridgefromDarleyAbbeyvillageisnarrowandweightlimited.Theroadsleadingtothebridgethroughthevillagearealsoconstrainedandhavelimitedcapacity.Additionally,therearepotentiallylong-termstructuralissuesandfloodrisksassociatedwiththebridgeinitscurrentform.Clearly,theprimaryaccesstotheMillscannotbefromthewest.
FromtheeasttheMillsareaccessedalongHaslam’sLanefromAlfretonRoadandtheA38.Haslam’sLaneisanunadoptedprivateroad.Itisinpoorconditionandliabletoflood.Giventheseriousrestrictionsfromthewest,providingbetteraccessalongthisroutetotheMillsisakeyissueintermsofsupportingtheregenerationofthecomplex.Animprovedroadmustbeapriorityanditmustbesignpostedastheprimaryroutetothecomplex,toreducetrafficthroughDarleyAbbeyVillage.
TherearehoweverpotentialissuesassociatedwithimprovingHaslam’sLaneasitmayencourageadditionalrat-runninginDarleyAbbeyvillageandthroughtheMillscomplex.Currently,thevillageandcomplexareblightedatpeakperiodsbythroughtrafficavoidingtheA38.Thisissuewillneedtobeaddressedinsofarasthatispossible,aspartofanyfutureschemes.Atrafficmanagementschemeisthereforeimportant.However,somelocalisedincreasesareinevitable.
VehicularaccesstotheStablesisalsohighlyconstrained.Thismaylimitpotentialusesandfutureschemeswillneedtoreflecttheseissuesintheirproposals.
5.5 Car Parking
CarparkingattheMillscomplexiscurrentlyhaphazardandnotorganisedorplannedonasitewidebasis.Thelong-termregenerationofthecomplexwillrequiretheformalisationandorganisationofcarparkingacrossthesite.Thequantityofcarparkingwillalwaysberestrictedbythehistoricnatureofthesite.Thereisnosignificantopportunityfornewoff-sitecarparkingduetotheactivenatureofthefloodplaintotheeast.Itmayhoweverbepossibletonegotiatesomeformofoverflowarrangementattherugbyclub.
TheStablesareservedbyanareaofinformalcarparkingtothenorthwhichalsoservesthevillagehall.FormalisingthisspaceanddevelopingarrangementsforsharingthespacewiththevillagehallwillbeimportantaspectsofanyfuturedevelopmentfortheStables.
5.6 Links to the local area and the City Centre
WhilsttheMillsandStableshavelimitedvehicularaccessandparkingtheyarereasonablywellservedintermsofpedestrianandcyclelinkstothelocalareaandcitycentre;theselinkswillbeenhancediftheproposedGreenwayisimplemented.
Therearehoweveropportunitiestoenhanceaccessandtoaddresssomelocalaccessissues,theseinclude:
• Provisionofwatersidefootpathsaspartofanyfutureflooddefenceorlandscapingschemesatthemills;
• ProvisionofanewlinkfromtheStablescourtyardtotheeasternpartofthepark;
• ProvisionoffootbridgetotheMillscomplexeitherfromthesouthbelowtheweirorfromthenorthofcurrentroadbridge(landownershipsallowing);
• WorkstoimprovethepinchpointoutsidetheAbbeypublichouseinDarleyAbbey;and
• Developmentofawaterbusservicefromthecitycentre
Fig 6 Possible Links
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5.7 Public Transport
Currently,DarleyAbbeyisservedbyalimitedbusservicewhichoperatesMondaytoFridayonanhourlybasis.WhilstthismaybeadequateforcurrentmarketsitwouldnotservearegeneratedMillscomplex.
TheweightlimitedbridgefromtheMillstoDarleyAbbeymeansthatanybusfutureservicewouldneedtoterminateorturnroundatthecomplex.Thisisunlikelytobeattractivetoanoperator.
5.8 Flooding
TheMillsaresituatedinthefloodplainandarecategorisedasFloodRisk3.Undernationalplanningpolicy(PPS25)thiscouldlimitfutureusestolessvulnerableusessuchasoffices,retail,workshopsetc.Thefloodriskwouldalsorequiredeveloperstosupplysafeexitroutesduringfloodevents.
Theserestrictionscouldreducethemixofusesatthesiteandincreasecosts,bothofwhichmayaffectitsviability.Itisthereforeimportantthatthemillsretainanappropriateleveloffloodprotectionandthatfutureschemestakeintoaccountthepotentialfloodriskandtheneedtosecuresafeexitfromthesiteifafloodeventoccurs.
5.9 Current and Future Uses
Currently,theMillscomplexprovidesc.14,500m²ofaccommodationforarangeofdifferentusesincludinglightindustry,retail,residential,garages,workshops,creativeindustries,professionalservicesandleisure/sport.TherearehoweverhighlevelsofvacancyandoneofthemajoroccupierswentintoadministrationinJanuary2010.
Thehighlevelsofvacancyandtherelativelylowreturnsachievedfromthecurrentusesareoneofthekeyreasonswhythebuildingsinthecomplexare,inmanycases,inpoorcondition.Reducingvacancylevelsandenablinghighervalueusesisthereforecriticaltosafeguardingandconservingthecomplex.
TheStableshavenocurrentuse.TheformerBilliardRoomisapopularcaféandasmallpartoftheBakehouseisusedforstorage.PossiblefutureusesfortheStablescomplexhavebeenexploredinthecontextofthewidermarket.Possiblemixesofendusesincludeoffices,nicheretail,foodproduction,restaurant/caféandsomeformofcommunity/interpretationspace.TheexactmixofuseswilldependonlocalmarketdemandandtheaspirationsofDerbyCityCouncilandanypartners.AlluseswillhoweverrequireplanningpermissionandListedBuildingConsent.
Futureuses,ateithertheStablesorMills,couldincludeanelementofinterpretationrelatingtothehistoryoftheareaandthewiderWorldHeritageSite.However,untiltheroleoftheSilkMillinthecitycentreisclarifiedthescaleandfocusofanysuchroleremainsunclear.WhatisclearhoweveristhatDerbyCityCouncil’sMuseumServicearenotlookingtoacquireanypartoftheMillsorStablescomplexforthepurposesofamuseumorheritagecentreandconsequentlyanyinterpretation/heritageactivitywillneedtobeledbyotherbodiesinpartnershipwiththerelevantowners.
5.10 Ownership
TheMillComplex,includingtheroadsandbridgeleadingtoit,areprivatelyownedbyarangeofindividualsandcompanies.Thescopeforpublicsectorinterventionandfundingisthereforelimited.
Manyofthepropertiesarenowalsoforsaleontheopenmarketandownershipregimesmaychangerapidlyinthenearfuture.Thismaypresentissuesandopportunitiesrelatingtoinvestmentandthere-useofthecomplex.
TheStablesarewhollyownedbyDerbyCityCouncilandtherearenoownershipissues.
5.11 DDA Access
Balancingthelegalrequirementfordisabledaccesswiththeneedtoconservethefabricandsignificanceofhistoricplacesisachallengethatfacesallschemes.Thedetaileddesignoffutureschemeswillneedtoaddressthischallengeinanimaginativeandsensitivemanner;itishowevernotamajorissueatthestrategiclevel.
5.12 Conclusion
DarleyAbbeyMillsandDarleyPark&StablesareakeypartoftheDerwentValleyMillsWorldHeritageSiteandanunderappreciatedassetforDerby.Currently,theyaregenerallyrundownandunderutilised,althoughtherearesomewellusedandwellcaredforareaswithintheMillscomplex.Manyofthebuildingsaredeterioratingandthereisaveryrealriskthatsomewillbelost.Giventheinternationalimportanceofthebuildings,doingnothingisnotanoption.ThetransformationofDarleyAbbeyMillsandStablescoulddelivermajorconservationandeconomicbenefitsforDerbyandtherestoftheWorldHeritageSite.Therearehowevermajorobstaclesthatneedtobeaddressed,includingfloodrisk,vehicleandpedestrianaccess,planningpolicyrestrictions,conditionofthesite,urgentrepairrequirements,derelictionetc.Thefollowingchapterssetouthowtheseissuescouldbetackledoverthecomingyears.
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6.1 Introduction
ThereisnoeasyorrapidsolutiontotheregenerationoftheMillsandStables.Evenifitwasdesirable,publicsectoragenciescannotacquiretheMillcomplexorfunditsregeneration.Whilstsimilarschemeshavebeenattemptedinthepaste.g.DitheringtonFlaxMill,thecurrenteconomicrecessionandthefuturedeclineinpublicsectorspendingruleoutthistypeofapproachatDarleyAbbey.
Giventhisbroadercontext,theprimarygoaloftheStrategyistosetoutthewaysinwhichDerbyCityCouncilanditspartnerscancreateanewenvironmenttodelivercertaintyandconfidenceandtoencourageinvestmentbyownersandbusinesses.ToachievethisfivebroadareasofactionfortheCouncilanditspartnershavebeenidentified(seeSection6.3).
Someofthesecanbedeliveredintheverynearfuture,othersmaytake5to10years(orlonger)torealise;butallofthemwillrequireeffortandcomprisefromDerbyCityCouncil,otherpublicsectoragenciesaswellastheowners,occupiersandresidentsofthearea.
Thephysicalregeneration,repairandconservationofthebuildingsandspacesintheMillcomplexwillhoweverremaintheresponsibilityoftheirowners.
6.2 Implementation, Prioritisation and Funding
DetailsontheproposedtimetableandapproachtoimplementationaresetoutinSection12ofthisdocument,alongwithanoverviewofpossiblefundingsupport.
6. Way Forward
6.3 Areas for Action
Thefollowingbroadareasarediscussedinmoredetailinthefollowingchapters.
Promote a new Vision for the Mills
Aspirationcandrivechange,accordinglythereisaneedtocreateandpromoteaclearandperceptionchangingvisionfortheMillscomplexifinvestmentistobeencouraged.ThatvisionissetoutinSection7ofthisdocument.
Develop and implement a new policy context for the Mills
AllfuturechangeattheMillswillneedtobedeliveredinthecontextofthenational,regionalandlocalplanningpolicy,includingtheemergingLocalDevelopmentFramework.Section8ofthisdocumentthereforesetsoutrecommendationsastohowDerbyCityCouncil’semergingCoreStrategycouldaddresstheMillsandhowafutureSupplementaryPlanningDocumentcouldguideandsupportchange.
Establish and support a new partnership for the Mills
TheMillsareprivatelyownedbuttheyalsoformakeypartofthewiderWorldHeritageSiteandCity.TheownerscannotdelivertheregenerationoftheMillsontheirownandwithoutthesupportofexternalagencies;andtheexternalagenciescannotsafeguardtheMillswithouttheowners.Consequently,Section9ofthisdocumentsetsouttheproposedstructureofaformalpartnershiptodriveforwardtheregenerationoftheMills.
Support the delivery of vital infrastructure works, repairs and enhancements
ThechallengesfacingtheMillsarenotinsignificant,itisthereforevitalthatbarrierstoinvestmentareaddressedoverthecomingyears.Section10identifiesthekeyproposalsinrelationtotheneedforbuildingrepairs,pedestrianandvehicularaccess,thepublicrealm,flooding,andlinkstothelocalareaandwidercity.
Deliver new uses for the Stables
EnsuringthatthenowderelictStablesareboughtbackintoavibrantandsustainableusewillprovidemomentumfortheareaanddemonstrateaclearcommitmentfromtheCityCounciltotheconservationofitsownestate.ThisshouldthereforebeapriorityfortheCouncil.AwayforwardfortheStablesissummarisedinSection11ofthisdocument.
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Darley Abbey Mills will become a vibrant destination for business, leisure, tourism and cultural activity that attracts investment, secures the long-term conservation of the entire complex and safeguards its outstanding universal value, whilst also enabling increased public access and understanding. This transformation will be a flagship project for the working conservation of the WHS and the rejuvenation of Derby as a City of Culture.
TransformingDarleyAbbeyMillsfromadecliningbackwatertoanewdestinationwilldelivermajorconservationandeconomicbenefitsforDerbyandtherestoftheWorldHeritageSite.TheMillswillbecomeahighlysuccessfulandwelldefineddestinationthatbuildsontheirexceptionalhistoriccharacterandcomplimentstheongoingregenerationoftheCityCentre.
Essentialtoachievingthiswillbethedevelopmentofarobustlocalpolicyframework(seeSection8)andtheimplementationofatransformativeoverhaulofthecomplex’sphysicalinfrastructuretoremoveintrusivemodernfeatures,unlockkeyspacesandenablesafeaccessandcirculation.Keyelementsofthatprocesswouldinclude:
• Development of a waterfront area to the south of West and Long Mills.Thiswouldprovideahighqualitypublicspaceoverlookingtheriverandenablenewactivepublicfacinguses.Thisisafundamentalpartofthevisionasitwouldre-focusthesiteandmakethemostofitswaterfrontlocationandthedramaticandaestheticallyinterestingWestMill.ThiswouldincludetheremovaloftheexistingmetalinfillonWest/LongMillanditsreplacementwithasmallerandmoresympatheticlinkingbuildingtoservenewuses.
• Public realm enhancement.Thevisionenvisagesthecreationofasympathetic,characterfulandcoordinatedpublicrealmthatwould:
• Retainhistoricsurfaces
• Delivercarparkinginastructuredandviablemanner
• Improvethevisualcharacterofthesitebyremovingclutter,improvingsurface,coordinatingmaterialsandcreatingclearanddistinctivestructureofthesite
• Slowtrafficandcontrolflowsthroughoutthesite
• EnablesafepedestrianaccessandaddressDDAissues
• Articulatethecourseoftheformermillraces/leatsinavisuallystrikingmannertoprovideaclearvisualstructuretothesite
7. Proposed Vision for the Mills
• Enhancement of the courtyard around the Chimney. ThisareahasarichcharacterandthroughtheremovalofmoderninfillaroundtheCoppiceBarnandBobbinShed,newpublicrealmandgeneralenhancementstofaçadesetcitwillbepossibletoopenitupfornewpublicfacinguses.Thiscouldevenincludereturningoneofthecoppicebarnstoitshistoricopenform.
• New traffic flow to south of site. Aspartoftheaboveanewtrafficflowwouldbedeveloped.Thiswouldseetrafficenteringonaone-waybasisthroughthechimneycourtyardandexitingalongtheexistingaccessroutetothesouthofthemillscomplex.
• Controlled traffic flow.Theimprovedmanagementoftwo-waytrafficisimportantintermsofretainingactiveusesonthesite.ThevisionincludesforanewrouteinfrontofNorthMillwithcontrole.g.tollbarrierorsignals.Thiswouldcreateanewcourtyardarea,allowforqueuingandenabletheclosingoffofthelaneoppositeWestMill.
• Removal of modern buildings.Removingintrusiveandinappropriatemodernbuildingswouldenhancethesite,enablethecreationofnewcarparkingareasandhelpraisethequalityofthepublicrealm.
• Improved car parking.Aswellasprovidingfordispersedparkingnearbuildings,thevisionincludesfortwoconcentrationsofparking;onetothesouthandoneatthenorth.
• Soft landscaping and woodland management. Thewoodlandedgingwouldbeopeneduptoenableviewsinandoutofthecomplexasthisbetterreflectsthehistoricalcharacterofthesite.Thiswouldalsoenablethecreationofpathsthoughthewoodlandedgebytheriver.
Nosingleusewillbeabletofillthec.14,500m2ofaccommodationwithinthecomplex,consequentlyadiverserangeofuseswillberequiredtoensureviability.However,thisdiversityshouldnotleavethecomplexwithoutarecognisableidentityindifferentmarkets.InthiscontextabalancewillneedtobestruckbetweendeliveringamixofuseswiththedevelopmentofastrongbrandtocreateamomentumandidentityattheMills.Giventhisandthedifferentsignificancesandsensitivitiesofthebuildings,theareasofthecomplexwilldevelopdifferentrolesandbecomefocalpointsfordifferenttypesofactivity:
• Southern Area – ThisencompassestheprincipalMillbuildingsandincludesthesuperbsouthfacingriverfrontageandhighlydistinctivecourtyardareaaroundthechimney.Theaestheticqualitiesoftheareaandthededicatedvehicularaccessandcarparkingindicatethatthisareashouldbecomethefocusofpublicfacingactiveuses,particularlyonthelowerfloors,aroundthecourtyardandwithinthehighlysensitiveandimportantLongMill.OtherusescouldbeaccommodatedonupperfloorsandintheEastandMiddleMillswhichareaccessedfromthenorth.
• Central Area – TheredirectionoftrafficthroughthesitewouldcreateaflowthroughthecourtyardareatothefrontofNorthMill.Thedevelopmentofactivefrontagesinthisareawouldcreateasecondaryfocusforpublicfacingactivity.Theupperfloorscouldprovideaccommodationforarangeofdifferentuses.Thewesternflankwouldbepedestrianisedandwouldprovideaqualityvenueforprofessionalbusinessesandpotentiallyleisurebaseduseswithintheflexibleformerpolishingsheds.
• Northern Area –Thisistheleastaccessibleareawithinthecomplex.Whilstmanyofitsbuildingsareimportanttheyaregenerallylessaestheticallyattractive.Thisareacancontinuetoservecurrentusese.g.garages,creativeindustryandprofessionalservices,withoutaffectingthemorepublicareastothesouth.Theregenerationofthisareaisalowerpriority,butsignificantrepairworkisstillrequired.
• Eastern Fringe –Thisliesoutsidethehistoriccoreofthecomplexandmuchofitiscurrentlyunattractiveandinneedofrejuvenation.Thepriorityforthisareaistoenhanceitsvisualcharacterandtoprovidecarparkingfortherestofthecomplex.Oncethefutureofthehistoricallysignificantbuildingsintherestofthecomplexareassuredthenitmaybepossibletodeliverasmallquantityofhighlysympatheticnewbuilddevelopmentwithinthispartofthearea.Thiswouldhoweverformthelastmajorphaseofdelivery.
• Residential Area –Nochangeisproposedforthisarea
Allchangeandadaptationwillrespondtoandconservethecharacterandsignificanceofthecomplex.TheneedtodeliverchangewillnotbeallowedtodegradetheOutstandingUniversalValueoftheWorldHeritageSite.TheregenerationofDarleyAbbeyMillswillberecognisedasanexampleofbestpracticeinConstructiveConservation.
Publicaccesswillbeincreasedthroughoutthecomplexandaccesstokeybuildingsandspaces(e.g.theAtticintheLongMill)willbesecuredthroughtheregenerationprocess.Ifpossible,interpretationwillbedeliveredon-site.
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Possible new development
Public realm feature representing the former mill race
Public realm improved across site
Landscaping and flood defence works around the site
New two-way controlled traffic route
South facing riverfront terrace to enable active use of mills
Possible hydro electric scheme in weir
c.35 space car park to service northern part of site
Public square around chimney, creates a focal point
Northern Area
Southern Area
ResidentialArea
EasternFringe
c.60 space car park
Modern buildings removed
Central Area
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8.1 Current Situation
CurrentlocalplanningpolicyfortheMillsissetoutintheLocalPlanandspecificallyinPolicyRP6(seeSection2).TheLocalPlanisintheprocessofbeingsupersededbyaCoreStrategy,anumberofDevelopmentPlanDocuments(DPDs)andSupplementaryPlanningDocuments(SPDs).These,alongwiththeRegionalPlan,willformtheLocalDevelopmentFramework.Thiswillreflectnationalplanningpolicy.TheCoreStrategyisduetobeadoptedinlate2011.
AspartofthedevelopmentoftheStrategyandMillsOptionsReportanumberofpossibleusesforthemillscomplexwereexaminedfromanationalandlocalpolicyperspective.Theseincludedinbroadterms:
• Retail(bothlargefloorspace,openplantyperetailandsmallerunitcrafttyperetail);
• Hotel(smallandmediumsized);
• RestaurantandCafés;
• Residential;
• Offices(atarangeoflevelsincludingnewbuild);
• Workshopandgarages;
• Leisuree.g.Gymortrainingvenue;
• Publicservicefacilitiese.g.doctors,dentists,librariesetc;and
• Visitorattractione.g.gallery.
Alloftheseraisedplanningpolicyissuesatthelocalandnationallevel,predominatelyduetothefactthatmanyofthemare‘towncentre’typeusesasdefinedinnationalpolicy.However,itisclearthatabalancewouldneedtobestruckbetweentheseissuesandthepotentialconservationandregenerationbenefitsofcontinuingtodeliverchangeattheMillsbetweennowandtheadoptionoftheCoreStrategyinlate2011.
8. Future Policy ContextApplicantswillthereforeneedtoworkcloselywithDerbyCityCouncilduringthisperiodtoensurethattheregenerationofthesitecontinuesinamannerthatreflectsexistingpolicyandfuturepolicyaspirations.
Furtherdetailsonsomeofthepolicyconsiderationsthatapplicantswouldneedtoaddress,inadditiontotheListedBuildingandConservationAreaconsiderations,aresetoutintheMillsOptionsReport(Atkins2010).
8.2 Proposed Way Forward
GiventhesensitivityoftheWorldHeritageSite,theneedforchangewithinitanditsBufferZone,theguidanceinPPS5andCircular07/09:ProtectionofWorldHeritageSites,DerbyCityCouncilwillneedtoprovidepolicyfortheentireWorldHeritageSiteintheCore Strategy.Thispolicywillexpandonnationalandregionalpolicy.
MoredetailedguidanceishoweverrequiredforDarleyAbbeyMillstoensurethattheyareregeneratedinawaythatreflectstheirsignificance,ensurestheirlongtermconservationandsupportstheeconomicregenerationofthewiderCity.Consequently,itisrecommendedthataSupplementary Planning Document (SPD)ispreparedbyDerbyCityCouncilfortheMillscomplextosupplementtheCoreStrategy.
Sections8.3and8.4belowsetouttheproposedstructureandlikelydirectionofthisfuturepolicy.
AllproposalsforListedBuildingsortheircurtilageswillrequireListedBuildingConsentanddependingonthenatureofchangemayalsorequireConservationAreaConsent.GuidanceonthisiscontainedwithPPS5:PlanningfortheHistoricEnvironment.
It should noted that the Core Strategy is still being developed and that following consultation the direction and content of future policy may differ to that discussed here. Additionally, it should also be noted that any future SPD would need to be delivered through a statutory process of consultation. Consequently, it may not reflect the guidance and structure presented here.
Potential applicants should not rely on the information contained here and should consult with Derby City Council before developing or submitting any applications. Until the Core Strategy is adopted, all decisions will be made on the basis of the existing Local Plan and National Guidance and little weight can be afforded to the material presented in this version of the Strategy.
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ThedevelopmentofthisdesignguidancewouldassisttheapplicationandListedBuildingConsentprocessandenabledeveloperstoworkcloselywiththeplanningauthorityinthecontextofabroaddesignframework.Thiscouldspeedupapplicationsandmakeasignificantcontributiontotheregenerationofthesite.
Ascribing land-use
ThevisioninSection7doesnotdefineuseswithinthecomplexindetail.TheSPDshouldhowevercontaingreaterdetailonthepreferredmixofusesinthedifferentareasofthecomplex.ThisdetailshouldbedevelopedinconsultationwiththeManagementGroupandAdvisoryGroup.Itshouldreflectconservationrequirements(seeMillsConservationPlan),theCoreStrategy,relevantnationalandregionalplanningpolicyandtheemergingmarketsituation.Itshouldalsoneedtoreflectanyprogressonimplementingtherequiredinfrastructureimprovements(seeSection11).TheprimaryaimofthiselementoftheSPDwouldbetoguidetheregenerationofthesiteincertaindirectionsandencourageactiveuseswhichwoulddelivereconomicbenefitswhilstconservingthesignificanceofthebuildingsandspaceswithinthesite.
Design Guidance
Thecomplexisclearlyahighlysensitivehistoricenvironmentandonerequiringtheoverhaulofitspublicrealmandbuildings.ItisthereforerecommendedthattheSPDincludesasubstantialelementofdesignguidancerelatingto:
• Treatmentofthepublicrealm(inc.DDAissues);
• Signage;
• EnablingDDAcompliantaccesstobuildings;
• Treatmentoftheexternalfaçadesofbuildings;and
• Parametersrelatingtotheretentionofsignificantfeatureswithinbuildings.
Thepublicrealmdesignguidancewouldbeespeciallyimportantifthevisionforthepublicrealm(seeSection7)istobedeliveredonastagedandpiecemealbasis,ratherthanasasinglescheme.
Theguidanceinrelationtothebuildingsexternalfaçadesofthebuildingsmayalsobeofbenefittobuildingownersandarchitects;aswouldthesettingofparametersinrelationtotheretentionofsignificantelements.TheseitemsshouldbedevelopedfromfurtherresearchthatbuildsonthefindingsoftheConservationPlan.ThisshouldbeundertakeninpartnershipwithEnglishHeritageandthebuildings’owners.
8.3 Core Strategy
ItisrecommendedthattheCoreStrategypolicycontextshouldfocusontwoaspectsinrelationtotheMillsaspartoftheWorldHeritageSite:
a) enablingabroadrangeofusesthatwillsupporttheregenerationoftheCityandtheneedtorevitalisetheMillscomplex.ThiswillbroadlyreflectthevisionsetoutinSection7.
b) ensuringthatchangereflectsthesignificanceofthecomplexandtheconstraintssuchasflooding.Additionally,developmentcontrolandlistedbuildingconsentprocedureswouldbeusedtomanagetheappropriatenessofphysicalchange;withinputfromEnglishHeritagewhererelevant.
MoredetailwouldbeprovidedinthesupportingSPD.
8.4 Supplementary Planning Document
TheproposedSPDwouldsupplementtheCoreStrategypolicy.AssuchitwouldneedtobeadoptedfollowingadoptionoftheCoreStrategy.ItscontentanddirectionwouldneedtoreflecttheCoreStrategy,consequentlythissectionoftheStrategycannotsetoutwhattheSPDwillsay.ItcanhoweveridentifythelevelofdetailthattheSPDshouldprovideintermsofsettingavisionforthesite,ascribingland-useandprovidingdesignguidance¶meters.
Vision for the Mills
TheMillsarecurrentlytreatedinapiecemealfashion.Thisreflectsthemixedownershipofthesite.TheSPDshoulddeliveranintegratedvisionfortheentirecomplexintermsofbothdesignandland-use.ThisshouldbebasedonthevisionsetoutinSection7ofthisStrategyandthenational,regionalandlocalpolicyframeworkinplaceatthetimeofproduction.ThisvisionshouldbefurtherdevelopedbyDerbyCityCouncilwithconsiderableinputfromtheManagementGroup(seeSection9).
ThefurtherdevelopmentofthedesignconceptandoutlineofusesacrossthecomplexpresentedinSection7wouldprovideabroadframeworkforinvestmentanddecision-making.Thisframeworkwouldbesupportedbymoredetailedinformationonuseanddesign(seebelow).
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9.1 Introduction
TheentireMillcomplex,includingtheroadsandopenspaces,isprivatelyowned.Consequently,theregenerationofthecomplexhastobedeliveredbytheseowners.However,thescaleofthechallengesfacingthecomplexandthescaleofpotentialcostsmeanthattheycannotachievethisontheirown.Additionally,theinternationalimportanceofthecomplexclearlyindicatesthatthereneedstobeasignificantlevelofpublicauthorityguidanceandinvolvementtoensurethatitsOutstandingUniversalValueissafeguarded.
ThissectionthereforesetsouttheproposedstructureandparametersforaformalpartnershipbetweentheownersandDerbyCityCouncilanditspartners.ThisgroupwouldbechargedwithdrivingforwardtheregenerationoftheMillsinatimelyandsensitivemanner.
GiventheimportanceofthisgroupandtheneedtodeliverchangeitisrecommendedthatDerbyCityCouncilappointadedicatedpart-timeProjectManagerin2010/11tocoordinateandsupporttheManagementGroupandtoleadkeyinitiatives.ThisOfficercouldalsoplayawiderroleintheemergingSouthernHuboftheWorldHeritageSite.
9. Partnership for the Mills
9.2 Proposed Structure 9.3 Roles and Responsibilities
Management Group
Thiswoulddrawtogetherthekeydecisionmakersandthosewithresponsibilityforthecomplexintoasinglefocussedgroupthatwouldmeetregularly.Timingwoulddependonpaceofchangeandchangingrequirementsofthegroup.
Theprimarypurposeofthegroupwouldbetofacilitatediscussions,agreeprioritiesanddevelopacohesiveapproachtotheregenerationofthecomplex.Itwouldalsoprovideaclearfocusforfundraisingactivity.
Thegroupwouldbefacilitated,coordinatedandsupportedbytheproposedProjectManager.
Advisory Group
TheAdvisoryGroupwouldgivetheManagementGroupaccesstospecialistadvicefromkeyagenciesandbodies.ItwouldalsoenabletheManagementGrouptotestconceptsandproposalswithbodiesthatcouldhaveadirectbearingonthefutureofthecomplexeitherthroughtheirabilitytofundproposalsortheirroleintheplanningapplicationanddecisionmakingprocesses.
Thegroupwouldbeconsultedonanad-hocbasiswithayearlymeetingtooverviewprogressanddiscussoutstandingissues.ItisrecommendedthatitisfacilitatedbytheHeadofEconomicRegenerationatDerbyCityCouncil.
Consultative Panel
Theregenerationofthecomplexhasthepotentialtoaffectlocalcommunities,thoselivingwithinthecomplexandthewiderCity.TheestablishmentofaConsultativePanelwillenabletheManagementGrouptogaugeopinionsonideasatappropriatestagesintheprocess.ItwouldalsokeeplocalcommunitiesinformedaboutchangesthatmayoccurandthenatureofprogressattheMills.
ThePanelwouldmeetonayearlybasiswithadhoccommunicationbetweenmeetings.TherelevantWardmemberwouldbewellplacedtofacilitatethePanel.
Management Group
•Ownersofcommercialhipropertyincomplex
•RepresentativesofDCChiPlanningandEconomichiRegenerationservices
•RepresentativefromthehiWHSPartnership
Project Manager (facilitator)
Consultative Panel
•Ownersofresidentialpropertyhiincomplex
•RepresentativesfromDarleyhiAbbeycommunitygroups
•RepresentativefromhiNeighbourhoodForum
•Wardmembers(facilitator)
Advisory Group
•DCCHeadofEconomicRegeneration(facilitator)
•EnglishHeritage
•EastMidlandsDevelopmenthiAgency
•EnvironmentAgency
•DCCMuseumsandhiParksServices
•OtherDCCdepartments,hiasrequired
Derby World Heritage Site Co-ordination
Group (Southern Hub)
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10.1 Introduction
ThechallengesfacingtheMillsarenotinsignificant,itisthereforevitalthatbarrierstoinvestmentareaddressedoverthecomingyears.Thefollowinghavebeenidentifiedasthekeyissuesthatneedtobeaddressed.
The prioritised timetable for their delivery is set out in Section 12.
10.2 Building Repairs
Urgent Temporary Works
WhilstmanyofthebuildingsintheMillComplexrequirerepairworksintheshorttomediumtermthereareasmallnumberofbuildingsthatrequireurgenttemporaryworkstostabilisetheirconditionandpreventrapiddecline,theseinclude:
• LongMill,GradeI(immediateactionrequired)
• WestMill,GradeI(immediateactionrequired)
• Manager’sHouse,GradeII(immediateactionrequired)
Deliveringtheseurgentworksisacriticalpriorityforimmediateactionandwillrequiresupportfromtheowners,DerbyCityCouncilandEnglishHeritage.Theoptionforstatutoryintervention(i.e.thoughanUrgentWorksNotice)shouldalsobereviewedandconsideredinrelationtothesebuildings.ThiscouldbesupportedbyanapplicationtoEnglishHeritagefortheunderwritingofanyurgentworks;itmayalsobepossibletoachievethisthroughanegotiatedarrangement.However,EnglishHeritagecannotguaranteegrantassistanceandallapplicationswouldbesubjecttotheusualtests.
Inadditiontotheabove,theProto-FireproofBuilding(GradeII*),NorthMill(GradeII*)andDarleyParkStables(GradeII)mayrequiresimilarworkswithin12monthsiftheirconditioncontinuestodecline.
Longer-term Repairs
BeyondtheUrgentTemporaryWorksthereisaneedtorepair,tovaryingdegrees,nearlyallthebuildings.TheserepairsaredetailedintheConditionSurveysandOptionsReports.Itwillbetheresponsibilityoftheownerstodelivertheserepairsalthough,assetoutinSection12,theremaybeopportunitiesforfundingsupport.
10. Addressing Barriers to InvestmentWhereverpossibletherepairsshouldbedeliveredaspartofpackagestoconvert,conserveandre-usebuildings.However,repairsshouldnotbeunnecessarilydelayedtoaccommodatedevelopmentschedules.
10.3 Conservation and Conversion of the Buildings
Centraltotheregenerationofthecomplexistheprocessofrepairing,conservingandconvertingthebuildings.Thiswillinvolvesafeguardingtheirhistoricfabricandcharacter,repairingdefects,improvingthequalityoffaçades,removinginappropriatealterationsandadditionsanddeliveringconversionworks.
Allofthiswillneedtobeundertakeninasympatheticmannerthatisinformedbyadetailedunderstandingofeachindividualbuilding’shistoricdevelopmentandsignificance.TheDarleyAbbeyMillsConservationPlan(2010)providesastartingpointforthisprocess,butmoredetailedbuildingspecificanalysisandConservationPlanswillberequiredtosupportfutureapplicationsanddevelopments.DerbyCityCouncil,andpotentiallymembersoftheAdvisoryGroup,shouldsupportthisprocess.
Theresponsibilityfortheconversionandconservationworkslieswiththeownersandinvestors.WhilstDerbyCityCouncilcan,throughtheplanningandpartnershipprocess,seektosupportandguideeffortstoregeneratetheMillsitcannotfundthem.Itshouldhoweverhelpownersidentifyandseekpotentialfundingsources(seeSection12).
10.4 Public Realm
Mills
AkeypartoftheregenerationprocessinvolvesthecreationofahighqualitypublicrealmwithinthenetworkofspacesanddestinationscreatedbytheoverallspatialvisionsetoutinSection7.
Keyobjectivesforthepublicrealmworksinclude:
• Retaininghistoricsurfaces,wherepossible(e.g.cobbledsurfacestothewestofthePolishingShed)
• Deliveringcarparkinginastructuredandviablemanner,bothadjacenttokeybuildings(importantforDDA)andinconcentratedareas(importantforvisitors/workers)
• Improvingthevisualcharacterofthesitebyremovingclutter,improvingsurface,coordinatingmaterialsandcreatingaclearanddistinctivestructureforthesite
• Slowingtrafficandcontrollingflowsthroughoutthesite
• Enablesafepedestrianaccesstoallpartsofthesite
• AddressingDDAissuesandenablingsafeaccess
Deliveringthischangewillbehugelybeneficialbutalsocostly.Itwillalsorequirethecooperationofnumerouslandownersasthepublicrealmonthesiteisallprivatelyowned.Thismayinitselflimitopportunitiesforfundingunlesssomealternativeownershipstructurecanbeachievede.g.acommonholdarrangementbetweenfreeholdbuildingowners.
Thepublicrealmworkswouldideallybedeliveredinaphasedbutintegratedmanneraspartofasinglescheme.Howeverthismaynotbeachievable.Consequently,thedesignguidanceintheSPDmustberobustanddetailedtoensureconsistencyofapproachacrossthesite.
Stables
Resurfacingofthecourtyard,formalisingthecarparkandinstallingenhancedsignagewouldallimprovethecharacterandappearanceoftheStablesandtheirimmediateenvirons.ThisworkshouldbeledbyDerbyCityCouncilaspartoftheredevelopmentprocess.
10.5 Vehicular Access
ThreekeyareasneedtobeaddressedinrelationtovehicularaccesstotheMills:
Haslam’s Lane
BringingHaslam’slaneuptoAdoptablestandardswouldrequiresignificantengineeringworkincludingreplacingthebridgeofFollyBrook.Thetotalcostwouldbeintheorderof£880,000exc.VATandfees.TheresultantschemewouldhoweverprovidesafeaccesstoandfromtheMillsforvehicles,pedestriansandcyclists.ItwouldhoweverstillfloodandanalternativemeansofexitwouldberequiredfromtheMillscomplexunderPPS25.Theadoptablestandardschemewouldnothoweverprovideahighqualityroute.AnalternativewouldbetodeveloptheschemeinaccordancewithDerbyCityCouncil’sManualforStreets.Thiswouldprovideanenhancedenvironmentbutwouldcostc.£1.15millionexcVATandfees.
IntermsofdeliveringtheschemeitisrecommendedthatDerbyCityCouncilseekfundingtosupporttheupgradeandultimatelylooktoadopttheroad.AnydecisiononadoptionwouldhoweverneedtobetakenbytheCouncilattheappropriatetime.Theupgradingofthisroadiscriticalifimpactsonlocalresidentsaretobeminimised.
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10.9 Cost Estimates
ThefollowingareinitialoutlinecostestimatesfortheworksattheMillsidentifiedaboveandfortheimplementationofthephysicalaspectsofthevision.Theseareprovisionalinnatureandbasedonlate2009/early2010process.TheyexcludeVAT.FurtherdetailscanbefoundintheMillsOptionsreport(Atkins2010).
UrgentTemporaryWorks(Manager’sHouse,LongMill&WestMill)
c.£25,000
LongTermRepairs c.£1.9million
ConservationandConversionofthebuildings c.£11million
PublicRealm(Mills)Inc.trafficcontrol c.£1.2million
Haslam’sLame c.£880,000to£1.15million
Bridge(replacement) c.£1.15millionto£1.45million
SouthernFootbridge c.£650,000to£1million+
10.7 Flooding
TheEnvironmentAgencyiscurrentlyreviewingitsfloodmodellingforthearea,untilthisiscompletetheneedforadditionaldefencescannotbedetermined.Ideallyfuturedefencesshouldberatedat1:100years;howeverthiswouldnotremovetheneedtoaddressthesignificantfloodriskissuesinaccordancewithPPS25.
OncethemodellingworkshavebeencompletedthefutureofflooddefencemeasuresattheMillscanbedevelopedinthecontextoftheBlueCorridorMasterplanwhichisaddressingflooddefencemeasuresfromDarleyAbbeytothesouthoftheCity.Thiswillprovidethestrategiccontextandpotentiallyfundingforanyimprovementinflooddefencesoraccessibility/exitmeasures.
10.8 Links to the local area and wider City
Inadditiontothefootbridge(seeSection10.6)thereareanumberofotheropportunitiestoimproveconnectivitybetweentheMills,village,stablesandcity:
Water Bus – DerbyCityCouncilhaspreviouslyexploredthefeasibilityofestablishingaseasonalwaterbusservicebetweentheCityCentreandDarleyAbbey.ShouldtheregenerationoftheMillsdeliversignificantpublicfacingleisureandretailtypeusesthenthismaybecomeadesirableoption.AnydecisiononthiswouldbetakenbytheCouncilattheappropriatemoment.
Greenway – DerbyCityCouncilareproposingtodeliveranewcombinedcycleandpedestrianroutethoughDarleyParktotheCityCentre.ThisshouldimproveaccesstotheMillsandStables.
Public Transport – AstheregenerationoftheMillsintensifiesitmaybepossibletoenhancethefrequencyofbusservicestoandfromDarleyAbbey.TheManagementGroupshouldengagewithoperatorsattheappropriatetime.
Bridge
ThebridgefromDarleyAbbeytotheMillcomplexisanhistoricstructure.Itsconditioniscurrentlyundeterminedandmoredetailedsurveysmayberequiredtoassessthisinthefuture.Itisclearthatthecurrentstructuremayneedtobereplaced.Thiswouldbeasignificantengineeringoperationwithsubstantialcosts.
Traffic Control
Theimprovedmanagementoftwo-waytrafficisimportantfortheregenerationofthecomplex.Thedevelopmentofanewthroughroutewouldneedtobeenabledbythecontroloftrafficflowsthroughthecomplexe.g.usingsignalsand/ortollcontrols.Thiswouldhelpaddresscongestionissuesbutmaynotfullyaddresspeaktimerat-running.
Thereinstallationofatoll,perhapsinautomatedformandalongsidethesignalisation,couldaddressbothbutaffectthecommercialviabilityofpublicfacinguses.ThefinalapproachwillneedtobedeterminedbythetollbridgeownerswithinthecontextoftheManagementGroup.
10.6 Pedestrian Access
Enhancingthepublicrealmwouldtransformpedestrianaccesswithinthecomplexbutaccesstothecomplexwouldstillbelimited.Giventhisthedevelopmentofanewfootbridgetothesiteisconsideredcritical.Tworouteshavebeenidentified(seeSection7).Deliveringeitherofthesewouldenhancepedestrianaccessibilityandpotentiallydeliverasafeexitroutewhichcouldhelpaddresssomeofthefloodriskissues.
ThepreferredrouteistheSouthernRouteasthiswouldprovidethemostattractiveanddistinctiveroutebetweenthevillageandcomplex,itwouldalsopotentiallyrelatetoanyfuturewaterbusandwouldbypassthepinchpointonAbbeyRoad.ItwouldhoweverbelongerandhencemoreexpensiveandwouldneedtobedeliveredaspartofthenewSouthernTerrace.
ThedeliveryofthisbridgeshouldbesoughtaspartoftheemergingBlueCorridorMasterplan.
Darley Abbey Mills and Stables Strategy Document > 2010
11.1 Overview
Givencontinuingmarketuncertaintyandadeclineinpublicsectorfunding,itisproposedthatDerbyCityCouncilshouldtakeforwardtheregenerationoftheStablesinpartnershipwithanexternalbodye.g.aprivatedeveloper,BuildingPreservationTrustorcharitableorganisation.
Thisapproachmeansthatitisnotadvisabletoprescribeusesasthismaylimitinterestandexcludeopportunities.However,itisimportantthatparametersareestablishedtoguidetheprocessandtoensurethatabalanceisachievedbetweencostandpublicbenefit.Thefollowingsetsoutrecommendationsinthisrespect,fullerdetailscanbefoundintheStablesOptionsReport.
11.2 Parameters to guide change
Physical nature of the conversion (to ensure the complex’s historic significance is safeguarded)
TheStablesareGradeIIlisted.AssetoutinSection4andtheConservationPlanthereareanumberofsignificantfeaturesandcharacteristicsthatneedtobeconservedwithinanydesign.Initialanalysisofpossibleoptions(seeOptionsReport)indicatesthattheretentionandconservationofthekeysignificantfeaturesshouldnotharmtheviabilityordeliverabilityofascheme.ThisincludesdeliveringasatisfactorylevelofDDAcompliantaccesstotheupperfloorsoftheStableblock.
Types of end uses (to ensure that the scheme reflects its location and is also viable)
Thefollowingtypesofusesareconsideredtobebroadlyappropriateandprobablyviable:
• Cafe/Restaurant – suitableforallareasofcomplexbutwouldneedtobedeliveredsensitivelyandrespondtoexistingmarkets.
• Food Production (e.g. micro brewery, bakery, diary) – conversionofsomespacesmaybedifficultintermsofservicesandtheremaybedeliveryvehicleissues.
• Gallery – maybeachievableinlargerspacesbutviabilitymaybeanissue.
• Offices –preferablyonupperfloorsand/orinBakehouse.
11. Stables: Way Forward• Retail –thiswouldneedtorespondtolocalneedsorserve
nichemarketsduetovehicularaccessandparkingrestrictions
Residentialandholidayaccommodationusesarenotconsideredappropriate.
GiventheirrelationshiptotheParkandthelevelofpublicinterest,itisrecommendedthatthecomplexshouldnotbeusedentirelyforcommercialpurposesthatexcludepublicaccess(e.g.offices).However,themajorityoffloorspacewouldneedtobeletforcommercialpurposestoprovidesufficientrevenuetoconvertandmaintainthebuildingandattractapartner.ThismeansthattheupperfloorsoftheStableblockandentiretyoftheBakehousewouldprobablybeusedforpurposesthatareunlikelytofacilitatepublicaccess.
Itisalsorecommendedthatthedevelopmentensuresthat:
• ThesurvivingStables,tackroomandofficeonthegroundflooroftheNorthRangeareusedforcommunity/publicbenefitsuchasinterpretation,informationpoint,meetingroom,etc;
• PubliclyaccessibleusesaredeliveredonthegroundflooroftheStableblock.ThiswouldgenerateactivityintheCourtyardandpublicaccesstothebuildingswithoutrequiringextensiveDDAworks;
• TheCaféofferatthecomplexisenhancedtoattractnewusersandserveexistingmarkets.Thiscouldincludethecreationofanextensiontotheeastoftheexistingfacility;
• PublicaccessisachievedbetweenthecourtyardandTerracebyremovingthemodernsectionsofwallthatcurrentlyseparatethetwospaces;and
• Publicspacesareupgradedandthatanappropriateamountofcarparking(includingadisabledprovision)isprovided.ThiswillrequiretheStablesandVillageHalltosharespace.
Freehold, leasehold and management arrangements (to ensure that the scheme meets Derby City Council’s and taxpayer requirements)
DerbyCityCouncilwillretainfreeholdownershipofthecomplex.TheCouncilwillthereforeeitherleasethebuildingstoadeveloper/operatororenterintoajointventuretodevelopandoperatethecomplex.Theeventualdecisiononwhichapproachtotakewillneedtoreflectarangeoffactorsincluding:
• TheneedtominimisetheCouncil’songoingmanagementandmaintenanceliabilities;
• Theneedtomaximise,withoutunduerisk,theCouncil’spotentialreturnfromtheproject;
• Theneedtodeliverviableandsustainableuses;and
• ThedesiretoreducetheCouncil’supfrontcapitalcosts.
Inpotentialleasenegotiationsthesewouldallbefactorsindeterminingthelengthoflease,rentaltermsandanycovenantstobeagreedwithsuitabledeveloper/investors.Jointventurearrangementswouldalsofactorintheseissuesintermsofdeterminingtherelativerisk/rewardstructures.
Funding (to ensure that the taxpayer receives value for money)
Thescaleofrepairsrequiredbeforeconversionworkscancommencemakesthecomplexrelativelyunattractiveintermsofitsredevelopment.AssuchitisrecommendedthattheCouncilreleasescapitalfundstoaddressthis.ItisalsorecommendedthattheCouncilseekstoidentify,ifrequired,additionalrevenuefundingfortheproposedcommunity/interpretationspace.
11.3 Next Steps
Criticalnextstepstodeliverthisapproachare:
• Identificationofcapitalfundingtosupportscheme
• Urgenttemporaryworkstosecurebuildings
• Furthermarkettestingandnegotiationstoidentifypreferredpartner
• Preparationandagreementofheadsofterms
• Developmentofdesigns(inconsultationwithConservationOfficer)
• Developmentofrequiredbusinessplansandanyexternalfundingbids
• PlanningandListedBuildingConsent
• Physicaldeliveryofthescheme
Thisprocessislikelytotake2to3years.
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12. Implementation, Funding & Outcomes
12.1 Implementation and Phasing
DeliveringtheStrategywilltakemanyyears,probablyoveradecade,howeverthereareclearprioritiesthatneedtobeaddressedbetweenmid2010andearly2012toensurethesurvivalofthecomplexandtoprogresstheStrategy(seePhase1below).
Anoutlinetimetableforthedevelopmentofthestrategyandfurtherinformationonthebroadphasesofactivityaresetoutbelow.TheoverallprogrammewillneedtobedevelopedandmanagedbytheManagementGroup,andinparticulartheProjectManager,overthecomingyears.Thiswillneedtobedoneinanintegratedmannere.g.theimprovementstoHaslam’sLaneshouldnotoccuruntilthetrafficcontrolhasbeenimplemented.TheseformsofinterrelationshipswillneedtobemappedandmanagedbytheProjectManagerandManagementGroup.
Thekeyphasesinthisprocessaresetoutbelow:
Phase 1: Stabilisation and planning (2010-2012)
Thisisacriticalphaseandwouldneedtocommenceimmediatelytoachievethefollowingby2012:
• Deliverthetemporaryurgentworks(seeSection10);
• EstablishthePartnership(seeSection9);
• RecruittheProjectManager(seeSection9);
• DevelopanappropriateCoreStrategypolicy(seeSection8);
• DeveloparobustSPD(seeSection8);and
• DelivertheregenerationoftheStables(SeeSection11).
Alongsidethese,andwithclearreferencetothevisionandthepolicycontext,itwillbecriticalfortheownerstodeveloptheirplansandbegintheprocessofdeliveringtherequiredrepair,conversion,conservationandpublicrealmworks.Initiallythefocusshouldbeonbringingvacantbuildingsbackintousetoensurethatthesitehasafirmereconomicfoundationandthatnecessaryongoingrepairworkscanbedelivered.ItiscurrentlyanticipatedthatthemajorphasesofdeliveringtheVisionwouldnotcommenceuntillate2011.
However,itisrecommendedthatacatalystprojectisdeliveredinthisphasetodemonstratethepotentialoftheregenerationproposals.TothisenditisrecommendedthattheManager’sHouseissubjecttoacomprehensiveprogrammeofconservation,conversionandre-use.
Thissmallbutimportantbuildingisinurgentneedofrepairanditsrejuvenationcouldofferclearandrealevidenceoftheprogressoftheprojectanditsoverallpotential.Thebuildingoccupiesapivotallocationandthisprojectwouldbeahighlyvisiblesymbolofprogress.Itwouldalsosafeguardadeeplyproblematicbuilding.
Phase 2: Southern Area and key enabling works (2012- 2014)
TheprioritisationoftheregenerationoftheSouthernAreaisrecommendedfortwokeyreasons.Firstly,thisareacontainssomeofthemostimportantbuildingsonthesite(e.g.theWestMill,LongMillandEastMill)andtheirfutureneedstobeassuredintheshorttomediumterm.Secondly,theregenerationofthisareathroughthedeliveryofanewsoutherlyfacingterrace,carparkingandthroughprovidingnewusesoffersthemostpotentialtoprovideculturalandtourismbenefits–itwouldalsofundamentallyalterperceptionsofthecomplex.
Thisschemewouldneedtobeledbytherelevantowners,potentiallywithsupportfromthepublicsector.However,it(andthewiderregenerationofthecomplex)willrequireanumberofenablingworkstobedeliveredtofacilitatedelivery,theseinclude:
• UpgradeofHaslam’slane;
• Repair/replacementofDarleyAbbeybridge;
• Provisionoftrafficcontrolmeasures;
• Provisionoffootbridgefromsouthernterrace(aspartofterraceupgrade);
• Possibleflooddefenceupgrades;and
• Publicsectorsupportwillberequiredtodelivertheseenablingworks.
Ideally,thisphasewouldalsobeaccompaniedbyanupgradeofthesite’sentirepublicrealm;howeverthismayneedtobedeliveredonapiecemealbasisalongsidePhases3,4and5.
Phase 3: Central Area and car parking (2014-2016)
TheCentralAreacontainsasignificantamountoffloorspaceatgroundfloorandupperlevels,italsocontainssomehighlysignificantbuildingsrequiringsensitiveconversion.
OncetheenablingworksareinplaceandtheSouthernAreahasbeensubstantiallytransformedandregenerated,thenitshouldbepossibletoregeneratethisareatoattractmidtohighendusers.Thisprocesswillneedtoincludesubstantialpublicrealmimprovements.Theregenerationoftheareawouldneedtobeledbytheowners/investorspotentiallywithpublicsectorsupportaimedatdeliveringnewjobsbybringingemptyfloorspaceintouse.
GiventheadditionalfloorspacethatthisphasewouldgenerateandgiventheneedtoopenupthecourtyardinfrontoftheNorthMill,thisPhasewillneedtoincludethedevelopmentofadditionalparking.ThisiscurrentlyidentifiedfortheEasternAreaofthesite.
Phase 4: Northern Area (2016 onwards)
Asidefromcontinuingrepairsandthemanagementofchangethroughstandardconsentprocedures,itisrecommendedthatthenorthernareaofthesiteisnotprioritisedforregeneration.Theareaislargelyletandoccupied.Futurechangewouldessentiallyimprovethequalityoftheareaanditspublicrealm,removeunsympatheticadditionsandconserveanumberofbuildings.
However,shoulddiscretesmall-scaleimprovementschemesbeadvancedforbuildingswithinthisarea(perhapsonascaleoftheproposedManager’sHouseinPhase1),thentheseshouldbepursuedwheretheyreflecttheoverallvisionandtheplanningpolicycontext.ItmaybethattheareaisdeliveredonapiecemealbasiswithintheframeworkestablishedbytheproposedSPD.
Phase 5: Eastern Area (post Phase 4)
AsidefromtherecommendedcarparkinginPhase3andpotentiallysomevisualimprovementinPhase1,nochangeisproposedforthisareauntilthefutureoftheotherareasofthesitehavebeenassured.Followingthatitmaybeappropriatetoconsidersomeformofdevelopmentinthisareaifthereismarketdemandandifthedevelopmentcanbeaccommodatedwithoutharmingthesignificanceofthecomplexorcomprisingitsfunctionality.Thishoweverisnotapriority.
Continuing Pan-phase activities
Alongsidealloftheabovetherewillneedtobeacontinuingprogrammeofrepairsandmaintenanceworksincluding,ifnecessary,urgenttemporaryworks.
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Phase 1: Stabilisation and Planning (2010-2012)
UrgentTemporaryWorks
EstablishPartnership
RecruitProjectManager
DevelopCoreStrategy
DevelopandadoptSPD
Stables-planninganddesign
Stables-Implementation
CatalystProject-planninganddesign
CatalystProject-implementation
Phase 2: Southern Area and Key Enabling works (2012-2014)
Haslam’sLane-PlanningandDesign
Haslam’sLane-Implementation
TrafficControl
DarleyAbbeyBridgeAssessment
SouthernArea-planning&design
Southernarea-implementation
Footbridge
FloodDefences
Phase 3: Central Area and Car Parking (2014-2016)
CentralArea-planninganddesign
CentralAreaimplementation
EasternArea-carparking
Phase 4: Northern Area (2016 onwards)
Piecemealdeliveryofprojects
Targetedregenerationprojectstoaddressremainder
Phase 5: Eastern Area (post Phase 4)
Non-prioritydevelopment
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
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12.2 Funding
12.2.1 Derby City Council
Itisclearthatpublicsectorsupportwillberequiredtodelivertheregenerationofthemillscomplex.ItisthereforerecommendedthatDerbyCityprovidealeveloffinancialsupportforthestrategy.ArobustapproachtothiswouldbetoestablishaHeritageGrantsFundfortheperiod2010to2012(Phase1)toprovideacatalystforchangeandmaintainmomentum.Aseedfundofbetween£200,000and£300,000couldusefullysupporttheownersofthecomplexwitharangeofactivities,including:
• Preparingfundingapplications;
• Developingconservationplansandfurthersupportingmaterial;
• Developingrepairspecifications;and
• Undertakingtargetedrepairworksforbuildingsandthepublicrealm,
ThisfundingwillneedtobeaccompaniedbyfurtherinvestmentbytheCityCouncilduringthisperiodintermsof:
• DevelopingtheCoreStrategy;
• DevelopingtheSupplementaryPlanningDocument;
• EstablishingandfacilitatingtheManagementGroup;
• AppointingtheProjectManager;and
• SupplyingOfficertimetosupporttheproject.
OverthemediumtermtheCouncilshouldalsoconsider:
• ContributingtotheupgradeofHaslam’sLane;
• ContributingtotherepairorreplacementofthebridgetoDarleyAbbey;
• IdentifyingwaysinwhichitcansupporttheenhancementoftheMillcomplex’spublicrealm;and
• DeliveringtheRiverbusscheme,ifitprovestobefinanciallyviable.
However,allofthiswilldependonthefutureeconomicandpublicsectorfundingsituation.
Additionally,DerbyCityCouncilwillneedtoactivelyworkwithexternalpartners/developerstoreturntheStablestoactiveuse;thiswillprobablyrequirecapitalfundingandincurdevelopmentcosts.
12.2.2 Other funding sources
TheaboveisnotsufficienttodelivertheStrategyandvisioninitsentirety.Significantfundingwillthereforeberequiredfromothersources,thiscouldinclude:
Owners
Asthecomplexisprivatelyownedthemajorityofthefinancialcostswillneedtobemetbytheowners.
EMDA
Schemesinvolvingthedirectcreationofjobsintheshortterm,e.g.theconservationofaninactivebuildingforactiveandavailableusesmaybeattractivetoEMDA.However,theRDAisunderconsiderablefundingpressureandsignificantfundsmaynotbeavailableandtherewillbecompetitionforsuchfunds.TheformationofthePartnershipmayhelpsupportfundingapplicationstoEMDA.
European Regional Development Fund
WhilstERDFfundingisnotalongtermprospectthereistheopportunitytobidforfundstosupportphase1activitiese.g.theregenerationoftheManager’sHouse.Itisrecommendedthatthisispursued.
Heritage Lottery Fund
TheHeritageLotteryFund’s(HLF)TownscapeHeritageInitiative(THI)maybeanavenueoffunding.THIfundingcouldsupportexternalfaçaderepairs,andimprovementsaswellaspublicrealmworks.TheTHIfundingcanalsoaddresssomeinternalrepairworks.Themaximumgrantavailableis£2million.TheHLF’scontributiontothisfundcanbenomorethan75%.Theremaining25%(althoughahigherfigureisadvisable)mustbedeliveredfromothersources,butnotfrompropertyowners.
THIfundingisfocussedondeprivedwards.DarleyAbbeyisnotinthiscategory.ThepoorconditionoftheMillscouldhoweverprovidethebasisfordevelopingabid.AnybidwouldbeledbyDerbyCityCouncilwithinputandsupportfromthesiteowners.TheBidprocesswouldtakeapproximately2years.
ItwillbecriticaltoensurethatanybidstotheHLFarecoordinatedonaCityandWorldHeritageSitewidebasistoavoidcompetingbids(e.g.MarkeatonParkandCromfordMills).
English Heritage
EnglishHeritagemaybeabletosupporttheUrgentTemporaryWorks(seePhase1)butareunlikelytobeabletoofferfundingforotherworkswithinthecomplex.
12.3 Possible Economic Outcomes
TheeconomicoutcomesoftheStrategywillbelargelydependantonthefinalmixofusesthatisdeliveredandconsequentlycannotbeaccuratelydeterminedhere;initialindicationsbasedonabroad-brushanalysisofpotentialmixesofusesindicatethatitcould:
• Createc.195-340Jobsandsafeguard/changeafurtherc.290Jobs(c.485–630Total).ThisexcludessupplychainmultipliersanddoesnottakeaccountofthepotentiallossofjobsatEllisonMetalProducts
• Createtheequivalentofafurtherc.190Jobsthroughconstructionactivity
• Generatec.£13to£17million/annumofexpenditure
Andrew Croftandrew.croft@atkinsglobal.com0113 306 6321
Atkins, 3100 Century Way, Thorpe Park, Leeds LS15 8ZB
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