Strutt Mills

The proposals respect and enhance the historic character of this unique heritage asset, creating a cohesive framework that strengthens the identity of the site and enriches the overall visitor experience.

As the largest and most prominent historic structure on site, East Mill stands as a defining landmark, a seven-storey building with four corner turrets, embodying the industrial heritage of the Derwent Valley. Its proposed conversion represents a rare opportunity to safeguard and adapt the building for the future, retaining its industrial character while introducing new uses that sustain its viability.  

The Strutt Mills complex in Belper, at the heart of the 15-mile Derwent Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site, comprises a remarkable collection of heritage assets including North Mill (Grade I), Strutt House (Grade II), Horseshoe Weir (Grade II), East Mill and Chimney (Grade II), together with the Grade II* River Gardens.

The Derwent Valley is internationally recognised as the birthplace of the factory system, where waterpower enabled the first large-scale production of cotton and silk. This innovation shaped global industrial practice and led to the development of the earliest modern industrial towns, complete with housing, public amenities, and transport networks.

Between 1777 and 1815, Jedediah Strutt and his sons developed the mills, with William Strutt’s engineering innovations driving a transition from stone and timber construction to early fireproofing and the pioneering use of iron and brick-arched structures.

With the North Mill Museum remaining central to the scheme, the proposals will enhance the significance of the historic landscape and reinforce the dramatic presence of the industrial buildings within the valley setting. Improvements to the public realm will strengthen connections across the site, while the introduction of new homes and complementary leisure uses will diversify activity and support the long-term viability of the complex. Together, these measures ensure that Belper Mills continues to contribute positively to the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, safeguarding its heritage value while enabling sustainable, future-facing use. 

Our proposal looks to convert East Mill to predominantly residential use, offering the opportunity to create high-quality living and working environments that respect and celebrate the mill’s industrial heritage while meeting modern standards of acoustic, fire, and thermal performance. Original features will be celebrated within the design, ensuring that the industrial identity of the mill remains while a new central atrium, introduced beneath a glazed roof, will bring daylight into the heart of the building, illuminating apartment bedrooms and forming an attractive communal space that enhances residents’ wellbeing and fosters a sense of community. 

East Mill, now classified as a Higher-Risk Building (HRB) under the Building Safety Act 2022, is proposed for residential conversion across its seven storeys. The inclusion of a central atrium introduces additional technical and regulatory challenges to its redevelopment. In response, extensive engagement with fire engineers has been undertaken to inform the re-submitted planning application, ensuring that the scheme meets the highest standards of safety, compliance, and design integrity.