Thursday, 12 November 2009

Another Step Forward


2009 has been an exciting year at the Mill as we gained the planning permission on March 31st for our new building this has meant another step forward to our goal of creating our vision on our site. All we need now is to raise the money to build it!

A key objective for Walford Mill Education Trust is to develop its’ pre-eminence as a Centre for the dissemination and direct experience of Craft and Making. We will provide purpose-designed workspace studios for more on-site makers. This will be accessible for all visitors and strengthen the link between material displayed in the shop and gallery and the process of design and making. We will also have a covered outside demonstration area and another education space. A new purpose built gallery area will be located on the first floor and the proposed new shop area will be at the new main entrance to the building. The Bistro will be an integral part of the new plan. A lift will serve all floors and from the courtyard there will be direct level access; once completed our building will have complete accessibility on every level.

Initially we are looking to raise the funds to kick-start this project by building our new entrance bridge from the car park to the Mill through the thick greenery of trees and waters-edge plants, alongside the millstream and millpond. This route will reinforce the experience of the extraordinary setting of our beautiful listed C19th Mill building. It will enhance the visitor’s understanding of our unique setting by linking ecology with craft.

We have so far managed to weather the economic storm and have a full and exciting exhibition and education programme organised for 2010. Watch this space for more news and updates on fund raising!

Christine Lawry, Chief Executive

No comments:

Post a Comment