Wedding venue at historic New Mills textile factory receives Government Covid culture recovery grant

The grade II* listed Torr Vale Mill, on the banks of the River Goyt, was among the latest round of beneficiaries from the Culture Recovery Fund.

Owner Philippa Cunningham said: “We’re very grateful to receive this grant which will allow us to continue to develop and maintain the mill during this period of uncertainty.

“We want to bring new life to the building and show its potential as a local and national landmark.”

A former industrial cotton mill, Torr Vale is noted for being the longest continuous site for textile production in the UK – from its construction in the 1780s until the early 2000s.

It is a near-complete example of a multi-phase integrated cotton spinning and weaving factory, which retains evidence for both water- and steam-powered manufacturing, landscape adaptations, architecture from each stage of the site’s evolution, and examples of period construction techniques.

It has been undergoing renovations ever since mill operations ended, and the complex now hosts holiday accommodation and office space along with the events venue and licenced bar.

The grant is intended to fund for essential construction work on an external wall, and comes just as repairs to the roof have been completed.

The £1.57billion Culture Recovery Fund was established to support specialist heritage construction jobs and access to culture in local communities.

Overseen by Historic England, the heritage stimulus stream is allocating grants of up to £25,000 to cover urgently needed repairs.

Historic England chief executive Duncan Wilson said: “This funding is a lifeline which is kick-starting essential maintenance at many of our most precious historic sites.

“It is also providing employment for skilled craft workers who help keep historic places alive and the wheels of the heritage sector turning.”

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden added: “These grants will help the places that have shaped skylines in our towns and cities for hundreds of years. We’re protecting heritage and culture in every corner of the country to save jobs and ensure it's there for future generations.”