Things are heating up for the historic site where the modern factory was born – and a thermometer was unveiled on 11th April, in true Blue Peter style, by former presenter Simon Groom, to prove it!
The gigantic thermometer, running the full depth of a mill wall, will be tracking fund-raising efforts to secure the future for Richard Arkwright’s pioneering Cromford Mills.
Richard Arkwright developed technology at the mill complex at Cromford that changed the world we live in, giving rise to the industrial revolution by creating the modern factory system. Over the past three decades it has been rescued from demolition by the Arkwright Society, which is restoring it. The Society is about to enter into the largest development phase the site has seen since the regeneration programme began over 30 years ago, but needs public support to bridge a funding gap so the site can become self-sustaining whilst work is carried out.
Chief Executive of the Arkwright Society Sarah McLeod said: “We’re working really hard at Cromford to transform our largest building into a world-class visitor centre and creative industries hub. That will make the site self supporting, but in order to reach this milestone we must overcome two challenges: closing the remaining funding gap so that this project can commence, whilst at the same time raising enough funds to ensure we meet our annual obligations to UNESCO to maintain and improve the site for future generations until they can be funded by income from that project.”
For Building 17, the Arkwright Society has raised over £3 million, with a further £1 million earmarked, but work cannot commence until the entire funding gap has been closed. The Society must raise a further £250,000 in order to be able to proceed with the project.
For more information about the Fundraising Campaign and to donate on-line, please visit the Arkwright Society website.
