Historic 'eyesore' mill could be redeveloped

A historic mill and warehouse which has become a "sad eyesore" could be redeveloped.

The former Borough Flour Mills in Tewkesbury, also known as Healing's Flour Mills, on Quay Street by the River Avon has fallen into disrepair in recent years.

The site has a long history of milling and it is possibly the site where two mills were recorded in the Domesday Book.

"The only thing people see is the blatant deterioration of the building which has become a sad eyesore to both visitors and residents alike," Tewkesbury councillor Mike Styzmiack said at a council meeting on 18 March.

Records refer to the site as the town mills as far back as the early 13th Century, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

At its peak in 1892, Healing's Flour Mill was considered to be the largest and most advanced flour mill in the country and it could produce up to 25 sacks of flour an hour.

The site was put up for sale by its owners, an offshoot of the St Francis Group called the Corbally Group Ltd, in 2017.

The complex of buildings is now derelict.

Tewkesbury Borough Council leaders said at the meeting that they are in talks with the site's owners.

The council's ambition is that the area could be redeveloped into a destination which attracts both visitors and residents alike.

"That whole waterfront has such a potential to become an asset for the town," council leader Richard Stanley said. "Healing's Mill is such an important part of that.

"It has got the potential to help secure the town's future in attracting visitors, if we get this right."

Mr Stanley said he has had multiple meetings with officers and met with the developers.

"There have been discussions around us potentially buying some of the ground floor level of Healing's Mill," he said.

"I appreciate from residents' view they haven't seen a change as yet but to reassure you there are changes afoot and there will be things in due course we can share."

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