New Forest District Council’s cabinet backs plan to fund £260,000 repairs project at Eling Tide Mill

PLANS to restore the historic Eling Tide Mill have moved a step closer after New Forest District Council’s cabinet allocated £260,000 for the project.

The mill, which dates back to the 1700s, is one of only two remaining in the country, but has been out of action for some time due to much-needed repairs, which means flour is unable to be produced at the site.

The building, owned by the district council along with the adjacent visitor centre known collectively as the Eling Experience, also needs repairs to external walls and re-pointing.

A report to the council produced by consultants Mortons described the overall condition of the mill as "reasonable", but added: “Structurally it can be considered to be in good condition but there are some areas of vulnerability.

"One area specified relates to the roof coverings, which are considered to be nearing the end of their life. It is suggested that re-roofing will be required within the next five years."

The report said the external walls were generally in good condition, but needed repairs and re-pointing in places.

The council’s cabinet agreed to allocate £260,000 for the work on the grade II listed building, bridge and quayside walls to protect the “ongoing operational use”.

The decision will go to full council for approval later this month.

Commenting on the plans, Cllr David Harrison, who represents Totton at a town, district and county level, said: "You can argue that the tide mill and the toll bridge are the most important heritage assets in the New Forest district.

“It's obviously important that measures are taken to maintain them properly. These things are more subject to the elements and wear and tear than most, so investing in them is very welcome.

“I see our role as councillors as being custodians so that these things will be there for future generations to enjoy and marvel at."

As reported in the A&T, in 2018 the tide mill was officially reopened by the Duke of Gloucester after it underwent a £2m refurbishment following its closure in 2015.

In addition to essential conservation work and development of the heritage centre to create a new learning facility and café, paths and boardwalks around nearby Bartley Water and Goatee Beach were also installed.

In the tide mill itself, old safety barriers were replaced with glass screens for uninterrupted views of the restored mill machinery, and a lift was installed allowing visitors with mobility difficulties to access the ground floor for the first time.