Wavensmere Homes has received the green light from Amber Valley Borough Council for their revised plans to redevelop Milford Mills. Overlooking the River Derwent, the development will now include the construction of 69 new homes. The development offers picturesque views of the River and Mill Lade within Derwent Valley Mills UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Revitalising a previously used commercial premises, the project will feature a four-story building creating 27 apartments with one and two bedrooms. Additionally, 42 homes with two and three bedrooms will be built on the development. The houses will have air source heat pumps, and the apartments will use electric heating. Solar PV panels will be installed on the roof for renewable energy generation. The development will be complemented by an extra two acres of public open space, and the Grade II listed Dye House has recently undergone renovation.

Our Contribution

Jackson Purdue Lever has actively collaborated with the design team in closely supporting Wavensmere Homes throughout the extensive redevelopment of Millford Mills. Our multifaceted contributions encompass a range of crucial services aimed at ensuring the success and sustainability of the project. These services encompass, but are not restricted to:

• Civil & Structural design of the redevelopment. This encompasses the intricate task of culverting the existing Lade of historic assets.
• Retention of historic assets. We actively recognise the importance of preserving the site’s historical legacy and have engaged in strategies to retain and safeguard its historic assets.
• Structural surveying & assessment of sites historic stone arches. Undertaking the comprehensive structural survey and assessment of the site’s historic stone arches, we aim to ensure the structural integrity and safety of these architectural features.
• SuDS ponds. In line with contemporary environmental standards, we have contributed to the incorporation of a Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SuDS) pond. This environmentally friendly solution is designed to manage stormwater and enhance the ecological sustainability of the redevelopment.
• Flood Zone compensation design of the River Derwent. Given the proximity to the River Derwent, our team has undertaken the crucial task of designing flood zone compensation measures. This involves strategic planning to mitigate potential risks and ensure the resilience of the redevelopment in the face of varying water levels.

Derwent Valley Mills UNESCO World Heritage Status

The 2001 UNESCO World Heritage recognition stems from the pivotal role played by the water-powered industries in the Derwent Valley during the Industrial Revolution. Additionally, the universal significance of the River Derwent textile mills contributed to this prestigious status. Extending from Derby in the south to Matlock in the north, the UNESCO zone encompasses this historical region. Milford Mills occupies a position along the centralising spine of the River Derwent.