Local MP Robert Largan has welcomed the progress being made on the restoration of Torr Vale Mill in High Peak, as Historic England publishes its annual Heritage At Risk register for 2021. 

The repairs have been made possible by grants from the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund, which is helping with emergency repairs to historic buildings.

Robert Largan had lobbied the Government to provide this support for heritage assets throughout the pandemic, and he welcomed the announcement in October 2020 that Torr Vale Mill would be awarded £205,000 from the Culture Recovery Fund. 

Having become a long-term fixture on the Heritage at Risk register, the Grade II listed former textile mill is once again being used as a place of manufacture.

In addition, recent repairs and conversions have seen the creation of holiday lets, business units and event spaces. This September, Torr Vale Mill’s unique indoor and outdoor spaces even hosted New Mills Festival events.

Situated in a scenic location in a ravine of the River Goyt, Torr Vale Mill was built as a water-powered cotton spinning and weaving factory in around 1790. The site was extended and remodelled in the 19th century, and used for textile production until the 1990s. Its buildings are a remarkably complete example of English textile manufacturing from the Industrial Revolution through to the modern era.

However, significant parts of the Mill complex are still unused and at risk, so Robert has welcomed the grant provided by Historic England for the complete repair of the main Mill roof, which is now nearing completion. 

Robert Largan, MP for High Peak, commented:

“As Historic England publishes its annual register for 2021, I am really pleased that progress continues to be made on the restoration of Torr Vale Mill.

“Back in 2020, I lobbied the Government hard to provide support for our heritage assets to get through the pandemic, and I am so pleased that they responded by creating the Culture Recovery Fund.

“The £205,000 grant awarded has allowed us to protect and restore awesome local assets like Torr Vale Mill, which is now contributing to our local economy once again.” 

Nigel Huddleston, Heritage Minister at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport, said:

"I'm delighted that so many famous landmarks have been removed from the Heritage at Risk register in 2021. We've supported the sector throughout the pandemic with our unprecedented Culture Recovery Fund, and it's great news to see this investment, along with other financial support, having such a positive impact. 

“Heritage helps us understand our past, and bringing old buildings and sites back into public use helps us to level up communities, create growth, and protect these important assets for future generations."

Louise Brennan, Historic England’s Regional Director for the Midlands, said:

“Despite the challenges we have all faced recently, this year’s Heritage at Risk register demonstrates that looking after and investing in our historic places can bring communities together, contribute to the country’s economic recovery, and help tackle climate change. 

“The 27 buildings and sites saved this year in our region show what’s possible with strong partnerships, dedicated individuals and funding support.”