Friars Mill
From fire-damaged relic to thriving riverside workspace
By 2012, the once-proud Friars Mill (a historic woollen mill complex on the River Soar) was in real trouble. The Grade II listed buildings were empty and deteriorating, unlisted parts had already been lost and a fire had destroyed the roof of the main mill. Leicester City Council stepped in to buy the site, full of hope but unsure what to do next.
Working alongside Levitate, we produced a feasibility study to explore what the buildings could become. That study laid the foundation for securing vital European funding. From there, we guided the project through an accelerated planning and listed building consent process and helped deliver a £6m transformation, turning the derelict mill into a dynamic managed workspace.
The work involved sensitive conservation repairs to red brick, timber, and cast iron; a full reconstruction of the roof, cupola and weathervane using historic photographs; and thoughtful new extensions to house modern services, circulation, and extra floor space.
Today, Friars Mill is buzzing again. Managed by the East Midlands Chamber of Commerce, it’s home to fifteen small and medium-sized businesses, with shared meeting and event spaces that bring people together. What was once a fire-damaged shell is now a local landmark reborn, proving that with the right care and vision, historic buildings can lead the way in modern regeneration.
‘Sarah worked on the Friars Mill project from its inception through to completion. She guided the project through site options analysis and feasibility studies through to preferred option selection. Sarah then worked with us on the funding bid, helping to secure grant of almost £4M towards the £7M scheme. Sarah went on to develop the scheme design, meeting extremely demanding timescales to comply with our funding obligations.
Once on-site, Sarah’s tenacity and attention to detail coupled with a professional and pragmatic approach to problem solving ensured the final product exceed expectations; the standard of finish and architectural detailing has impressed professional judging panels and occupiers and visitors alike.’ DB, Leicester City Council
Images: 1-3 Leicester City Council, 4-5 Levitate
