Member Article

Listed Grade 2 former Mustard Mill awarded Commendation for the Reuse of an Historic Building at 2021 DHBT awards

The Amber Mill Furniture Rural Enterprise Centre, known by its acronym AMFREC, has been awarded a Commendation in this year’s Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust (DHBT) Architecture Awards for the Reuse of an Historic Building.

The prestigious DHBT awards promote the best in Derbyshire’s architecture, bringing deserved public recognition to those tirelessly working to safeguard Derbyshire’s built heritage.

Amber Mill Furniture Manuf. Co. a former Mustard Mill, located in Toadhole Furnace, Oakerthorpe was severely destroyed by fire in 1955. Following an extensive restoration commencing in 2017 the Mill re opened its doors earlier this year to those seeking a relaxed, unique commercial space.

Today, AMFREC offers an exceptional, open-plan site for those wishing to host companies and creatives in a relaxed, flexible environment within which to grow their business.

Commenting on the award win, AMFREC owner Ann Turner, said: “We are delighted to have achieved this recognition from the DHBT. After one hundred years of family property, Amber Mill has been meticulously restored for today’s modern-day age, transforming from steam to data.

“The idea for the restoration of the Mill was launched in 2017. Since then, major renovations of the Grade 2 listed building, located just minutes from the commuter belt of the M1, has transformed the Mill into an inspirational working environment boasting state of the art facilities whilst retaining its unique authenticity. My grateful thanks go to the full team who have collaborated with me to accomplish this splendid transformation.”

Designer and Chartered Surveyor, Tim Nutter who oversaw the restoration project at AMFREC commented: “AMFREC has a fascinating history, which contributes to the charm and character of the site.

“We have worked to restore and expose the Derbyshire sandstone, opening up the original arched windows, creating an open-plan interior to make the space feel light and airy.

“It has been a wonderfully rewarding project resurrecting a derelict building, bringing it back to life for this new era. We are delighted to have achieved this award, which is testament to the vision, work and resource owner Ann Turner has put into the overall restoration and preservation of this building’s heritage.”

The 2021 judging committee included Oliver Gerrish (Awards coordinator); journalist and writer Matthew Parris; Ian Webster; Philip Latham, who is the Chair and Barry Joyce MBE, Vice Chair of the DHBT. The Awards were presented by Dr. John Goodall, the architectural editor for Country Life.

The restoration of the Mill was part funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, which works to ensure a balanced territorial development of rural environments. The Fund recognised the potential of what the revitalised Grade 2 listed Mill could offer the surrounding area and consequently gave part funding for the restoration works together with The European Union Regional Development Fund.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Isabella Storey .