Stately home to become adventure centre
Plans have been approved to transform Willersley Castle
Globebrow Ltd and Manor Adventure proposed work at the historic Grade II*-listed building – the former home of Sir Richard Arkwright, situated near Cromford.
Derbyshire Dales District Councillors say further investment into tourism and sports in the area should be welcomed as plans were approved.
The site has been closed since the summer of 2020 and locals had feared it would fall into disrepair, with one councillor comparing its potential downfall to that of Buxton Crescent.
However, with approval granted, the site will be brought back into use with climbing, abseiling on cliff faces, and canoeing and kayaking on the River Derwent the main activities offered at the site.
Meanwhile, accommodation would be available for up to 90 people, with the project aimed primarily at school groups.
Dozens of objections had been raised against the plans, including concerns from a number of mountaineering groups, due to the potential for lost access to the Wildcat Crags in the grounds, which have been scaled for decades.
Peter Astles, who lives close to the property, told the meeting: “We were very sad when the castle went into receivership during the Covid pandemic, we were worried for our friends and neighbours who worked there and for the upkeep of the castle.”
He said it was a “great relief” when a buyer came forward for the site, saying “we were concerned the property would become derelict and fall into disrepair very quickly”.
Councillors have heaped praise on plans to turn an historic Derbyshire stately home into an adventure centre for school children.
Last night (Mar 8), members of the Derbyshire Dales District Council planning committee approved plans to turn Willersley Castle, just north of Cromford, into an outdoor pursuits centre.
The plans from Globebrow Ltd and its company Manor Adventure were hailed as the saviour of the historic Grade II*-listed building and a welcome use of the estate – the former home of Sir Richard Arkwright.
Councillors said further investment into tourism and sports in the Dales should be welcomed and looked to make the district a national leader for outdoor recreation.
The site has been closed since the summer of 2020 and locals had feared it would fall into disrepair, with one councillor comparing its potential downfall to that of Buxton Crescent.
However, with approval granted, the site would be brought back into use and climbing, abseiling on cliff faces, and canoeing and kayaking on the River Derwent would be the main activities offered at the site.
Meanwhile, accommodation would be available for up to 90 people, with the project aimed primarily at school groups.
Dozens of objections had been raised against the plans, including concerns from a number of mountaineering groups, due to the potential for lost access to the Wildcat Crags in the grounds, which have been scaled for decades.
Peter Astles, who lives close to the property, told the meeting: “We were very sad when the castle went into receivership during the Covid pandemic, we were worried for our friends and neighbours who worked there and for the upkeep of the castle.”
He said it was a “great relief” when a buyer came forward for the site, saying “we were concerned the property would become derelict and fall into disrepair very quickly”.
Mr Astles said a number of staff connected with the property’s former use as a hotel have been rehired, including the groundsman and manager.
He said the plan would “secure the legacy of Willersley Castle for future generations to enjoy”.
Mr Astles said: “Kids from all over the country can visit Cromford. Within the Derbyshire Dales they can learn about the textile industry and stay in the house of Sir Richard Arkwright and experience the great outdoors and wildlife within a safe and secure country estate.
“They can enjoy healthy activities such as climbing, kayaking, archery and more and be inspired to take up these activities once they return home.”
Roger Yarwood, agent for the applicants, said the property was a key building in the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage site,
He said: “It is a Grade II*-listed building and is one of the most important buildings in the Derwent Valley and the loss of its former hotel use was a great worry.
“To find a use that fits so well is a great blessing and will do much for the local economy.
“This is good news on all counts and will bring great benefit to the district.”
He said after concerns were raised by Historic England and other bodies, the owners have agreed that ancient woodland and sites of special scientific interest within the grounds would not be used other than for activities which they have historically been used for.
Rob Miller, who is the new manager of the site and has moved to the area with his family said the company wants to be “part of the community”.
He said the firm seeks out older properties to turn into adventure centres, which includes two chateaus in France, and are “fantastic custodians”.
Mr Miller said that due to the size of the castle estate, around 65 acres, the noise from “90 to 100” children would barely be heard.
He said it was a “viable way forward for Willersley castle”, to “maintain it and continue to look after it and it is not going to be cheap to maintain”.
Mr Miller said providing access for climbers to use Wildcat Crags was being worked on, but the safeguarding of children on the site was the main priority.
He said public access would be widened when school groups are not on the site.
Doug Allen, who lives close to the site with his wife Sarah, said they were “firm believers in action-based education” but were concerned about the lack of public access through the site.
Rob Dyer, speaking on behalf of the British Mountaineering Council, said the organisation did not object to the plans but said it shared the “significant concern” over losing access to Wildcat Crags.
He said: “Adventurous activity and the opportunity for young people to experience and learn in the outdoors is something we very much support.
“We feel the additional opportunities that will be offered to young people as a result of the application are undoubtedly positive.”
He said the site had been scaled since 1948 and that there are “huge numbers of climbers who Cherish this fantastic crag and hope a solution can be found to allow access in the future”.
Mr Dyer said there had been positive talks with the new owners and a proposed solution had received good feedback.
Cllr Garry Purdy, leader of the council, said he had been concerned about the future use of the building, saying: “I am pleased this application has come forward because we don’t want this building to go into misuse, disuse and disrepair and it is a good activity.”
He said the negotiations about public access were welcomed and that the firm has “got to be a good neighbour” but said there were clear safeguarding issues to contend with.
Cllr Richard FitzHerbert said: “It is a cracking new life for Willersley, a Grade II-star-listed building. The heritage needs new lives, it needs new people to look after them and it needs new investment and that is what they are going to get from this and I am really pleased that we can give it our support.”
Cllr Robert Archer said that as an educator and history teacher, “it just makes me smile this whole thing, that it is happening” and would prevent the site going the way of Buxton Crescent which cost “millions and millions to repair”.
Cllr Peter Slack said: “I am very, very pleased that this historic building is being brought back into use.
“The use of it is splendid, children can come from all over the country and linked up with Mount Cook near Middleton, which also does similar, the Derbyshire Dales will become a centre for children coming from all over the country to enjoy the Dales to enjoy rock climbing to archery, it is wonderful how much we can do in the Derbyshire Dales.”
Cllr Neil Buttle said he gained his interest in climbing after being sent on an outdoor education course as a “nipper” and supported the scheme and hoped access to the crags could be retained.
Cllr Helen Frogatt said: “The fact that is is being brought back into use for young people, encouraging outdoor activity, is absolutely amazing
“When you drive or walk through Cromford, your eyes are automatically drawn to that building and it is just wonderful and if that had fallen into disrepair it would have been tragic.”