The Restoration of Higherford Mill
Higherford Mill was built, by Christopher Grimshaw as a waterpowered cotton spinning mill in 1824. In 1832 steam power was introduced to supplement the water power and the square stone chimney was erected on the hillside to the rear, with an underground flue to carry the smoke away. This is still intact.

The Mill was saved from demolition and purchased by Heritage Trust for the North West in 1999. The Trust intends that the Mill will become a focal point for the Creative Industries in East Lancashire. Thirty six artists workshops are being constructed together with visitor facilities and an art gallery. As funding is limited the project is being done in phases.

Phase I (complete) involved structural repairs and the construction
of twelve workshops.
Phase II (underway) will provide a further 24 units and reception facilities.
Phase III (when funds are secured) conversion and restoration of abandoned areas for an art gallery, visitor, art/craft facilities, and educational resource centre while restoring the waterwheel, and historic mill races and installation of Solar Panels to provide for renewable energy.