The oldest factory in city is at risk of ruin
The city's oldest factory is at risk of rotting away because of a hole in its roof.
The Donisthorpe factory, in Bath Lane, is believed to have been one of the first ever factories in Leicester, as well as being the oldest surviving one.
It opened in the 1790s as a stubbing mill – where sheep fleeces would be combed by hand to prepare them for spinning into wool.
Its construction came shortly after the work was completed to make the River Soar fit for boat travel between Leicester and Loughborough.
The building, also known as Friars Mill, is near to the new Highcross car park, on land earmarked for development.
Two years ago, the factory was hit by lead thieves who took the metal off the roof.
The hole was covered with tarpaulin but the material is now in shreds, prompting Leicester City Council to contact the owners, Urban Invest, about securing the building.
The Leicester Civic Society and Leicester Industrial History Society have jointly petitioned English Heritage to get the building extra legal protection by upgrading its listed status from Grade II to Grade II*. Two months ago, the site was broken into again and the gold-painted ibex figure – the brand of the Donisthorpe hosiery company – was taken from the roof.
Civic society deputy chairman Derek Hollingworth said: "The fate of this factory is a top concern for us.
"The tarpaulin on the roof is in tatters and when water gets in the wet rot starts to damage the timber structure.
"Then you get dry rot and before long the wood just turns to dust. Something needs to be done."
Urban Invest has planning permission to build a 23-storey apartment building near to the factory, along with a four-star hotel. The £60m scheme – which was unveiled in March 2008 – would involve using the factory, possibly as a restaurant.
Mr Hollingworth said he understood that the development was on hold because of the recesion. He said the civic society hoped the Council would be able to cover the roof.
A spokesman for council said: "We are discussing repair options with the owners of the building. The council does not intend to allow the building to fall into disrepair."
Urban Invest, which gives its address as being in the British Virgin Islands in the Caribbean, could not be contacted.
6 Comments
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by K, Leicester
Wednesday, December 02 2009, 3:45PM
“Recesion.... Does the LM (or whoever prints the newspaper) not proof read before publication? The correct way to spell that word is with 2 s's.
Also I know the city council dont own the building, but isnt it hypocritical of them to say they dont intend to allow the building to fall into disprepair, especially after allowing the Bowstring Bridge to do just that.”
by Neil, Leicester
Wednesday, December 02 2009, 1:06PM
“'recesion'? Call me a pedant by all means, but surely journalists should be able to spell properly, or at least use a spell checker. That word has also been all over the media for the last 2 years, so it's not like it's obscure either.”
by Daniel, Leicester
Wednesday, December 02 2009, 11:30AM
“Kulgan, Crydee - just wondered have you ever been to Leicester? you seem to think you know an awful lot about it? YES i know the council dont own it which is why they can't leave it to rot! then sell it for a £1 to the DMU for redevelopment! I thought the bit in my post which says "obviously they cant sell this piece of land to the DMU for a quid!!!" would of covered it!”
by West End Girl, Leicester
Wednesday, December 02 2009, 10:36AM
“Friars Mill is a beautiful building. It is so sad the ibex has gone. I think the Council should step in and secure and repair the building and send a big bill to the off-shore company who took it on. If they don't pay up then confiscate it. Urban Invest knew it was listed when they bought it and took on the responsibilty.”
by Kulgan, Crydee
Wednesday, December 02 2009, 10:21AM
“Daniel,
I think you are somewhat mistaken. The Council do not own this building or the land, but as it is Grade II listed, it has a duty enforce repairs by the owners (I believe). But if they did own it, your right. A new Aldi/Lidls or student flats sound like an idea.”