Mountjoy has been appointed to undertake the conservation, extension, repair and new build works to Whitchurch Silk Mill in Hampshire. The Silk Mill is a Grade II* listed textile watermill built in 1815 on the River Test in the small Hampshire town of Whitchurch. It is one of only four working silk mills in the country and the only one open to visitors.
The project entitled “Preserving the Fabric” aims to transform Whitchurch Silk Mill into a self-sustaining industrial heritage site. The conservation works include repairs to the external walls, windows, doors and roof of the Mill Building. A new stairwell and lift installation will provide much-needed access routes and new viewing galleries. An extended visitor Welcome Building will be constructed to allow for an entrance ticketing area, retail, café and WC facilities to enhance the experience for visitors. The project has been made possible by a grant of £1.7m from the Heritage Lottery Fund as well as private donations.
In the last 2 years Mountjoy has delivered heritage buildings– including the refurbishment of the Grade II Listed Westbury Manor Museum in Fareham, alterations to Victoria Park Lodge in Portsmouth which is on English Heritage’s Register of Historic Parks and the creation of artists’ studios inside the Hot Walls – the ancient harbour fortifications in Southsea.