Events

Restoration of Stubb Mill, Hickling - The Broads Authority

Heritage, arts, sport and culture award commendation 2011

Summary

Stubb Mill is a Grade 2 listed drainage mill located in the North Broads area. It has been restored to an extremely high standard using a bursary scheme for apprentices to learn the specialist skills needed for its improvement.

Background

The Mill is owned by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust and was in such a poor condition that it had been placed on the at risk register. The Mill has particular significance as it is one of the few mills in the area which included residential accommodation within its structure.

Although the Mill was within the ownership of the Trust, its restoration did not fall within its charitable objectives and as such was not a priority for the allocation of Trust funds. Previous applications for funds from other sources had been unsuccessful.

Project description

The catalysts for successful restoration were the duty of the owners to maintain, repair and restore the listed building. This enabled them to allocate 50,000 for this purpose. Along with the setting up of a bursary scheme for the training of millwrights and appropriate other skills necessary to enable the repairs to be carried out. These skills were in very short supply in the local area. The Heritage Lottery Fund financed the bursaries with a grant to the Broads Authority. Five bursaries were awarded and the Broads Authority used Stubbs Mills as practical training for the apprentices who, working under skilled supervision, have restored the Mill and its original features to an extremely high standard with few if any compromises on the original design and materials. The Mill is now available as an attraction and stands as a prime example of a Mill of this type.

The Broads Authority has 70 mills within its area, over half of which are listed. The skills gained by the students can now be used in respect of these and other buildings where practical skills and traditional techniques are appropriate

Planning achievement

This is an innovative and unique scheme and the enthusiasm of all involved is impressive;
The skills obtained from this scheme are already being put to good use elsewhere both locally and in Holland.