Lincolnshire landmark is set to be given a new lease of life
An extra £1.1 million is being invested into Alford Windmill
Plans to restore a 19th century windmill to its former glory are moving forward.
An extra £1.1 million is being invested into Alford Windmill, bringing it back into use with a new visitors centre featuring a café and shop – and converting the adjoining Miller’s Cottage into holiday accommodation and office space.
The historic landmark is one of three projects in East Lindsey receiving £8m of government funding – the others being the restoration work on the 16th Century Alford Manor House and a project for Spilsby Sessions House, a former court building that is being turned into a theatre.
During a meeting last week, East Lindsey District Council’s planning committee formally approved the development, aiming to regenerate the historic site and bring it back into the spotlight for the town and surrounding area.
According to the planning documents, the full list of improvements includes:
Building a new Visitor Centre/Bakery Café
Renovation of the Miller’s Cottage into a two-bed holiday let
Reuse and refurbishment of the pigsty as a children’s play area
Light refurbishment of the old shop to display a collection of millwright tools
External works to improve both soft and hard landscaping throughout the site
Both the shop and café are expected to offer mill-based products, such as breads and flour, along with other local goods to promote local businesses.
The grade one listed building is expected to be open in 2026.