Henfield Sussex Wildlife Woods Mill

About

Summary

Finding a new use for an iconic historic watermill at the headquarters of the Sussex Wildlife Trust

Woods Mill is a 17th century watermill, one of a collection of buildings that make up the headquarters of the Sussex Wildlife Trust in Henfield, West Sussex. The building has an iconic status for the Trust and lends its name to organisation’s headquarters.

The mill was previously used as a ‘Countryside Centre’ attracting large numbers of visitors. However, visitor numbers had dropped substantially, interpretive materials were dated, access was problematic and Acorn, together with associates PLB, were asked to find a suitable, sustainable re-use for the building.

Our Approach

To identify realistic options for the future use of Woods Mill the consulting team undertook an interpretive audit, internal consultations with Trustees and staff, a SWOT analysis and in-depth market assessment of environmental visitor centres, watermills, visitor attractions in Sussex, the demand for commercial office space and the capital value of the building.

The Mill’s suitability to deliver the long-term operational requirements of the Trust were assessed against the option to realise capital from the sale of the building to use as match funding for a purpose-built educational development.

Outcome

A detailed range of options for the long-term uses of the building was presented to Trustees, matched against the aims and objectives of the Trust.

 

Directions

Projects Nearby

  1. To deliver a high-quality programme of education and outreach work, the Sussex Wildlife…

  2. Acorn collaborated with environmental planners to research community needs, accessibility…

  3. Borde Hill is a stunningly beautiful and botanically rich heritage garden, set within…

  1. Horsham needed to develop the district's identity to attract visitors, particularly in…

  2. The South Downs Heritage Centre applied for planning permission for an education barn and…

  3. Nine short break outdoor activity itineraries were developed in Kent, West Sussex and…

  4. Evaluation of rural tourism and self-catering accommodation market trends, appraisal of…

  5. A project that assessed the impact on the environment and cultural heritage that visitors…

  6. Workable options for improving the Visitor Centre had to consider tight planning…

  7. This study was commissioned to provide a greater understanding of the potential of…

  8. Research and production of a guide for local producers explaining how they can sell their…

  9. A robust analysis of Wealden’s visitor economy was undertaken to inform the next tourism…

  10. Acorn provided market-led options for the development of the house at Leith Hill, a…

  11. Visit Eastbourne is the destination management organisation for Eastbourne and the…

  12. Robust evidence was needed to inform future planning policy and the Seafront Local Plan.…

  13. The 3-year Business Plan needed to address restructuring and funding constraints, while…

Previous Next

Sussex Wildlife Trust Options Appraisal for Wood Mill

Client:

Sussex Wildlife Trust,

Location:

Henfield, West Sussex, United Kingdom
Sussex Wildlife Trust

Contact us

3 Woodland Enterprise Centre, Hastings Road,
Flimwell, East Sussex, TN5 7PR, UK

+44 (0) 1580 879970

contact@acorntourism.co.uk