Paradise Mill restoration

Historic Paradise Mill, part of the Silk Museum in Macclesfield, is closing temporarily from early May as an important programme of work begins this spring.

The work is being supported by the owners, Allmand-Smith Ltd, alongside a grant from the National Heritage Memorial Fund (NHMF).  

The restoration on the grade II listed building on Park Lane, will ensure that more people can continue to visit this remarkable textile mill in the future. 

The ambitious programme of work to be carried out by Allmand-Smith Ltd who own Lower Paradise Mill, will help preserve the historic mill for future generations and protect its precious contents. Essential repairs to the roof and lift will enhance the visitor experience and ensure it is accessible to all.  

Paradise Mill has the largest collection of silk Jacquard handlooms in Europe in their original setting. Designated by Historic England, it remains largely untouched since the last day it operated in 1981, allowing visitors to step back in time.  

Built in 1860, the rare textile mill has incredible interior features including design suite, director’s office and structural timbers that tell the story of the working life of the mill.  

The £309k NHMF award will allow the Silk Heritage Trust to acquire a 125-year lease of the top floor of Paradise Mill from Allmand-Smith Ltd as well as carrying out work to the rest of their heritage buildings including the Silk Museum. This remarkable achievement is crucial to the Trust’s ambitions to develop the Silk Museum and Mill site as a visitor attraction to ensure that more people can share in the history of this incredible place.  

The National Heritage Memorial Fund award has been made in response to the Covid pandemic and recognises the national significance of Paradise Mill’s heritage.   

The Mill was last managed by silk manufacturers Cartwright and Sheldon and is now part of the Silk Museum, where guided tours reveal the social history of the mill and the lives of the mill workers.  

In April this year, the first new silk jacquard design was woven by hand at Paradise Mill on the restored looms. Work has already been taking place on the restoration of two of the silk looms, thanks to a grant awarded by the Association of Industrial Archaeology. Daniel Hearn and Trish O’Halloran from the Museum have painstakingly restored two of the silk looms, with help from students from Manchester Metropolitan University.  

Restoration of the building will begin in June, with scaffolding being erected around Paradise Mill. All the looms will be wrapped carefully to protect them ahead of work starting.  

Chair of the Silk Heritage Trust, John Varney, says: “As the only Silk Museum in the north of England, we are thrilled to be able to begin this important work. We want to be more accessible to our visitors and staff and the work will include repairs to the lift as well as important structural repairs.  

“Conserving our silk mill, which is of national and international significance means that we can continue to welcome more people to Macclesfield to tell the story of how this town in the north of England was a global centre for silk production.”  

 Janet Jackson MBE, a trustee of The Silk Heritage Trust and Chair of the Friends of Macclesfield Silk Heritage, added: “The Museum plays a major part in supporting the unique silk heritage and culture of Macclesfield. We’re delighted to secure this lease to safeguard its future and to develop this heritage site as a major attraction for visitors and communities, as a centre for knowledge and cultural participation, creating understanding of people and place.”   

Project managers Creative Heritage have been appointed to oversee the restoration programme.  

Note: the Silk Museum (on Park Lane) remains open to visitors as usual from Wednesday to Saturday 10 am to 4 pm.