Arkwright Society secures huge grant

This major investment marks the beginning of Cromford Mills: Celebrating Heritage, Creating a Sustainable Future, a once-in-a-generation project to restore and reimagine some of the UK’s most significant Grade I listed 18th-century buildings.

This support will fund the essential planning, consultation, and design work phase, laying the groundwork for the full restoration and sustainable reuse of these historic spaces. As part of the internationally significant Derwent Valley Mills UNESCO World Heritage Site, this milestone takes Cromford Mills a major step closer to being removed from Historic England’s National Heritage at Risk Register and securing its future as a vibrant heritage destination and thriving community space.

At the heart of this vision is a new skills and enterprise programme, to be developed in partnership with The University of Derby, local organisations and colleges.

Plans include creating new amenities including a restaurant beside the iconic waterwheel, a visitor welcome hub, flexible event and function spaces, and interpreting new ways to tell the fascinating stories of the mills that celebrate the site’s global industrial legacy – while connecting to today’s climate and sustainability challenges. 

Éilis Scott, Chief Executive of the Arkwright Society, said:

“We’re incredibly grateful to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and to all who support this project. This includes match funding from organisations and individuals including, The Pilgrim Trust and The Architectural Heritage Fund. Cromford Mills changed the world once, and we believe it can do so again – as a beacon of heritage, innovation and inclusion, rooted in our local communities."

Liz Bates, Director, England, Midlands & East at The National Heritage Lottery Fund, said:

“We are pleased to support Cromford Mills with this initial grant of £1.3million, as we celebrate awarding a total of £2bn of National Lottery and other funding to projects across the Midlands & East of England. This internationally significant industrial heritage site has big ambitions for saving heritage at risk from deterioration and transforming how visitors experience and learn about the heritage of this remarkable place."