Jelleyman’s Heritage Arts Charity are hosting an Open Day at Jelleyman’s Mill, Kidderminster, to promote their plans to save, restore and develop the 19th century, nine-acre industrial site.

The Friday event is invitation only and all local MPs, councillors, and business leaders have been invited to attend a short presentation about plans for the site, and take a tour of the offices, warehouses and grounds. On Saturday the 15th June there is a public open day for all to attend and explore the site as well as find out about opportunities to get involved in the project, including renting workspaces/function rooms, and franchise opportunities such as running the on-site cafeteria.

The project has identified a series of short-, medium- and long-term goals to restore the site and bring it back into use. There are already tenants moving into office spaces and hiring functions rooms, as well as some warehouse spaces – the aim is to create a diverse community of local people and businesses that can assist and promote each other.

The income from these rents will be used to begin the clean-up of the site and to fund other projects to generate more funds for investing in the site. In the medium terms the charity aims to host fund-raising events as well as provide some additional paid-for services such as fishing spots, camping facilities, nature walks, catering, and hosting larger events in a function room with stage, mixing desk and bar facilities.

The arts side of the charity will also come to the fore and begin outreach work into the local community to encourage the preservation of local history, heritage & environment. Long term the ambition is develop Jelleyman’s Mill into a vibrant and exciting community of individuals, small businesses, charities and community groups; a venue for private and corporate events; a tourist attraction that celebrates the heritage and beauty of the location; Francis Jelleyman built the Mill in 1874 for his rope twine and tarpaulin business, before changing to carpet manufacturing around 1890.

It is the intention of Jelleyman’s Heritage Arts Charity to breathe life back into the site and to celebrate Kidderminster's fine heritage in creative and industrial endeavours. Part of the site is still in use by Bond Worth, a carpet manufacturing company that purchased Jelleyman’s in 1963.

The Mill itself is already grade-II listed, and an area of Specific Scientific Interest has also been identified due to the presence of rare species of flora and fauna. There are trees within the site with preservation orders attached to them, and indications of the presence of other rare species including water bees. The Victorian Society have been approached to help identify other potential parts of the site that could apply for grade-II listing