March 2024
Visited with @stranton and @Mr Budge, kudos to @Terminal Decline for the L&R.
I frequently find myself in Liverpool these days and I've had my eye on this place for a while now. I've been checking it almost every week for the past few months, wondering what hidden treasures lie inside . A couple of weeks ago, @stranton and I managed to find a way in, but unfortunately, security had already become aware of our presence and promptly showed up with the police. Luckily, we were able to escape without being noticed, but it quickly became clear that this wouldn't be as easy as we initially thought. A few weeks later, we returned with @Mr Budge for another attempt. Fortunately, this time it paid off and we were able to enter the building without being detected. We spent a good two hours freely exploring the site, trying to cover as much ground as possible. The mill definitely lived up to our expectations, as you can see below our perseverance definitely paid off.
[0] - The Mill in 1933
The mill's history in Dingle is shrouded in mystery, but I'll do my best to shed some light on it. Milling has been happening on this site for more than 220 years. The mill we're focusing on in this report was operational until 2022 and is often referred to as 'Scott's Mill' due to its appearance on historical maps. However, before the Scott family took over, it was run by William Willacy, who may have been the very first occupier. The Willacy family had been involved in milling in Liverpool since before 1775. In that year, a miller named William Willacy and his wife Cicely welcomed a son named William, who was baptized in St James' church. It's likely that they hailed from one of the Toxteth Mills. Unfortunately, William and Thomas Willacy faced financial difficulties and went bankrupt in 1805. Around 1820, Jonathon Scott became the owner of this mill. Prior to that, he had been a biscuit-baker with a bakery located at 57 Strand Street since at least 1806. Interestingly, Daniel Scott also had a bakery on Mersey Street during the same period. In a listing from 1824, we can see that Jonathon continued running his bakery while also supplying his own flour from the New Park Mill. The old mill can be seen on the above aerial photograph from 1933, the reservoir can also be seen. Surrounding the mill is a network of buildings, mostly erected by the Wilson, the original mill tower was demolished in the late 1960s.
Throughout its history, the mill has undergone several name changes, starting with Wilson King in the 1960s, then Spillers, and finally ADM Milling, which occupied the site until 2022 when it ceased operations. However, in February 2023, a new chapter began for the mill when it was purchased by 'Mill Street Developments' for £1.1 million. Excitement filled the air as the new owners expressed their intention to "restore the site" and breathe new life into this historic landmark. Eager to move forward with their plans, the new owners submitted a planning application (23PM/2577) to Liverpool City Council, seeking permission to demolish the flour mill. They entrusted Colin Smith & Sons with the task of demolition. Unfortunately, the planning application faced a setback. Liverpool City Council, concerned about the lack of clarity regarding the future of the site, rejected the application. The council wanted to ensure that any development on the property would be in line with the city's vision and benefit the community.
Originally, the demolition was scheduled for November 15, as indicated by the notice attached to the gate. However, with the rejection of their application, that date came and went without any action taking place. The mill, also known as South End Mills, holds a rich history dating back to around 1872. Over the years, it has witnessed the rise and fall of various milling companies, despite a delay to demolition work it is likely that the site will soon be flattened.
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Cheers for looking 
Fujifilm X-T2, 10-24mm f4 R OIS WR (Velvia)
Fujifilm X-T2, 10-24mm f4 R OIS WR (Velvia)
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