The Mill is locally significant hence the development had to be approached in a sympathetic manner. The desire was to preserve the history and traditional fabric of the building yet incorporate these with modern interventions.

The iconic chimney that dominates the landscape has been retained and restored, with the new wing of the building seamlessly interwoven around it. Beautiful exposed brick work and detailing, high ceilings, splendid original iron, oak and bow string beams have been retained as a nod to the mill’s yesteryear. The original cast iron columns are structural so could not be resited or removed and instead have been embraced within the apartments and communal areas.

For the two new storeys added at roof level, fusion frame was selected for its light weight and high-tolerance, however a bespoke non-standard highly complex technical grillage system had to be created that is able to fully support the fusion frame system at the point of transition from the old mill to the new fusion frame whilst keeping the imposed loading below the threshold limit for the existing 130 year old structure to bear.

A new “fin” system was also designed to attach the glass Juliet balustrade to the curtain walling of the fusion frame, whilst the integration of non-standard structural elements enabled long span openings to be achieved to accommodate large span windows. The combining of an uninsulated frame with suitable insulation, whilst addressing new and developing safety standards, meant significant research and design development had to be undertaken.

The building is living history; its magnificence and industrial past have been captured to perfection.