Dumfries Historic Buildings Trust is keen to promote and encourage the sensitive restoration of the Rosefield Mills, a very special set of buildings originally built 1886-94 for Charteris Spence and Co, along the River Nith, Dumfries.
ASpokesperson for DHBT stated “Given the derelict state of the buildings, through decades of disuse and neglect, and their sheer scale, however, this will be an extremely challenging project of some magnitude and complexity. A positive outcome will depend on strong community support, as well as considerable resources, vision and determination.
If no other sympathetic developer steps forward, DHBT is keen to lead a project to restore these significant buildings and to bring the site back to use in a way that will render it a positive and exciting mixed-use asset for the town of Dumfries.
Options for the buildings’ re-use would need to be explored fully and rigorously; but it is clear to us that there is an opportunity at Rosefield Mills to develop a project that brings a variety of exciting and creative uses to these buildings, and in particular to make much more of the Venetian ‘palazzo’ frontage on our River Nith. There is scope, too, for creating enjoyable public space that engages with the river frontage on this site.
We appeal to the public for their support, and for those who can to pledge funds or finance – donations or loans – to enable the trust to acquire these buildings if no other suitable developer is found. If you, or anyone you know, would like to help us, please contact the trust by email: [email protected]”
DHBT is a ‘developer of last resort’ for the restoration and re-use of historic buildings that would otherwise be lost or destroyed.
The Dumfries Historic Buildings Trust is incorporated as a Building Preservation Trust with the purpose of advancing heritage by preserving and restoring, for public benefit, buildings of particular beauty or of historic, architectural or constructional interest, principally in and around Dumfries and Galloway; and to increase awareness, further appreciation of, and education relating to, the architectural heritage of Dumfries and Galloway and the surrounding region.
Initially, the work of the trust has necessarily been focussed in and around the Burgh of Dumfries, but it is intended that the scope of the trust’s work and activities will extend throughout the region of Dumfries and Galloway where there are willing volunteers and buildings in need of saving, and as the trust’s funds and resources allow.
