Plans to convert 175-year-old mill into retreat unveiled

The private boarding Jesuit school in Hurst Green has submitted plans to Ribble Valley Borough Council to convert the Old Mill, dating back to 1840, into the retreat centre and then build the Christian centre alongside it.

The proposed plans will consist of 14 single bedrooms and eight double bedrooms on the first floor, and one disabled double bedroom alongside teaching and lecture space, a chapel and dining facilities on the ground floor.

These proposals are the final stages of an overall plan that involves the construction of a centre, which has been designed to house one of the oldest museum collections in the world and provide a study centre for pupils who want to explore their faith.

The first phase of the Christian Heritage Centre involved the restoration and refurbishment of the Grade I-listed St Peters Church, which was completed in 2011.

Phase two involved the refurbishment and restoration of the historic libraries and the creation of the Chapel Museum, which are now almost complete.

In a letter to the council, a spokesman said: “The corn mill, built in 1840, has high significance for historic and evidential values as an example of an industrial building built to serve a school and religious community.

“However, as it is currently in a fragmentary condition, with missing roof and floor structure, its heritage significance is reduced.

“Much of its evidential value and some of its aesthetic value was lost during collapse and dismantling.”

In the later 19th century, the mill was extended and a steam engine was installed.

By the 20th century, though, the building was disused and in disrepair, and in 2010, the roof was removed and the wall tops were consolidated after it collapsed.

The spokesman added: “The restoration and change of use will instil a new lease of life while retaining the existing external appearance of the building. The impact is considered to be major but positive.”