The New Forest District Council’s cabinet supports a £260,000 plan to fund repair work at the historic Eling Tide Mill.
Right now, the mill can’t make flour. It has been closed because it needs work. The council owns the mill and the visitor center nearby, calling it the Eling Experience.
Consultants looked closely at the mill. They said it’s in fair shape overall, but the roof needs attention soon. It might need replacing in five years. The building’s outside walls also need fixing.
The £260,000 will help work on the building roof and on the bridge. The funds also cover work on the quayside walls. This protects its use in the future.
The full council will vote on this plan later. A local councilor, David Harrison, spoke about it, saying he thinks the mill is a key part of the area’s history. It is important to care for such things carefully.
The mill had a big makeover in 2018. The Duke of Gloucester opened it again then. It cost £2 million to fix up after the closure in 2015. They built a café and learning center at the spot then, adding new paths and boardwalks surrounding the mill. They replaced barriers with glass and added a lift for easier access.