SOPHIEWHITFIELD [THE BODY AND PERCEPTION]
SITE EVALUATION.
The site chosen is Blidworth Mill. It is a Grade II listed former windmill of brick construction, which dates back to c.1816 and was gutted for metal during the First World War. Whereby unfortunately, it lost its sails.
It is privately owned by Mrs. Yvonne Neville, who is currently looking at plans to restore it for the local community, so it does not fall into a state of dis-repair. Yvonne has formed a local organization; the Friends of Blidworth Mill, in order to help with funds for the conservation costs.
Currently the building has been unused for over 100 years and is on the 'at risk' register. Barker Langham and Soul Architects have also been commissioned to look at the future of the Mills conservation.
The site itself is located on high ground to the west of Blidworth village, currently the site is hard to approach - you need to climb over the gate and the approach is over grown with brambles, however it leads you into an open meadow area which then slopes down into the landscape of local green space. From the site you have 360 degree views towards Lincoln, on a clear day the cathedral is viewable, also Belvoir Castle and the modern wind turbines. The site gives lots of space for community activities and would make a great habitat for biodiversity.
Fig. 1: Insight Mapping, Nottinghamshire County Council.
Map to show local footpaths and sites of community interest. courtesy of Jason Mordan, Senior Historic Practitioner at Nottinghamshire County Council, Nottinghamshire Historic Buildings Trust and Barker Langham with Soul Architects.
Map to show the location of the various Windmills in Nottinghamshire. courtesy of Jason Mordan, Senior Historic Practitioner at Nottinghamshire County Council, Nottinghamshire Historic Buildings Trust and Barker Langham with Soul Architects.
Positive aspects of the site include:
Good access to main road (currently gated)
Access to landscape
Proximity to church
Proximity to local amenities e.g. local public house
Good links to path networks across Nottinghamshire
Ground level height gives it open views e.g. Clipstone
Large, park like site
Negative aspects of the site include:
Busy road to cross
Windmill close to residential properties
Local Community Aims.
All images courtesy of Jason Mordan, Senior Historic Practitioner at Nottinghamshire County Council, Nottinghamshire Historic Buildings Trust and Barker Langham with Soul Architects.
Initial Site Model. Scale 1:100
Condition Survey of the Site, courtesy of Jason Mordan, Senior Historic Practitioner at Nottinghamshire County Council, Nottinghamshire Historic Buildings Trust and Barker Langham with Soul Architects.