PR 555

COUNTY COUNCIL SAVES CHESAPEAKE MILL

Hampshire County Council has announced its plans to save Chesapeake Mill, Wickham after it considered in detail a scheme submitted by a heritage group Chesapeake Action Group (CAG) along with the preferred commercial bid which was selected in July.

Unusually the County Council agreed to provide an additional two months for the heritage bid to be submitted.

The County Council acquired the Mill in 1998 to protect the historic integrity of the building which for nearly 200 years has been used as a commercial flour mill. The County Council commenced marketing of the Mill in March 2003 but the heritage group did not make clear their intention to bid until July.

Since this time a group of people with local, national and international connections has assembled proposals for the Mill based around the creation of an interpretive centre. The preferred commercial bid was for the use of the building for the restoration and retailing of antiques and would involve taking a lease from the County Council who would retain the freehold of the Mill.

The prospective leaseholders Taylor Haimes Ltd indicated their willingness to work with local interest groups to provide a museum area within the Mill and to make the building available for historical research as well as organised visits.

In arriving at the decision to accept the Taylor Haimes Ltd bid, the Leader of the County Council, Councillor Ken Thornber, considered that the commercial use of the building offered a sustainable long-term use of the building whilst also providing access for people wanting to visit the Mill and to carry out historical research. The County Council has extensive experience of operating museums and was not convinced that the CAG proposals offered a viable solution for the long-term protection of the Mill.

The listed building status has recently been upgraded to Grade II * and this together with the County Council freehold ownership will provide protection for the continued historical integrity of the Mill.

Commenting Councillor Thornber said: "This was a difficult decision as our involvement with the Mill since 1998 was intended to prevent its continuing physical deterioration and to find a suitable long-term use.

"The CAG submission has much to commend it and has generated a lot of interest. However, given the high costs of refurbishment and continuing maintenance of a building of this type, it will be necessary to generate a significant revenue stream. The County Council has extensive experience of re-using such facilities and the proposals of CAG failed to provide conclusive information as to how a viable operation would be funded.

"Over six months have elapsed since the marketing of the Mill commenced and we have an offer from Taylor Haimes Ltd for a leasehold interest which offers the prospect of a commercial use and the finance for the refurbishment and repairs of the building. It also ensures public access to the building as well as a museum area and allowing organised visits and access for historical research.

"I hope that the heritage group will recognise that the historical integrity of the building will be protected, its fabric restored, access provided and an area made available for a museum for use by local groups. The County Council will work with the prospective leaseholder and interest groups to encourage a productive relationship between various interests."

ENDS

For further information please contact: Vanessa Burton on 01962 847367

vanessa.burton@hants.gov.uk

16/10/2003