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Warwick Bridge Corn Mill: North Cumbrian Heritage Business Suspends Trading As Landlord Forfeit Lease

The Warwick Bridge Corn Mill Limited has announced it has suspended business due to the landlord Cultura Trust forfeiting the lease.

The company made the announcement that from Monday, February 3, it was suspending business after trading from the Grade II listed corn mill for the last 5 years.

In the statement Warwick Bridge Corn Mill Limited said that they have been in “discussion with our landlords Cultura regarding the long term viability of the business”.

The continued: “Unfortunately, they have taken the decision to foreclose our lease with no notice, preventing our access to the building and giving us no choice but to suspend the business.

“The Board would like to thank everyone, volunteers, suppliers, fellow market stall holders and customers for their support and encouragement over the last 5 years as we have tried to build a sustainable operational future for the Mill,” the business added.

The Cultura Trust, owners of the Warwick Bridge Corn Mill released a statement in which they said: “On 2 February 2025, Cultura Trust, owner and landlord of Warwick Bridge Corn Mill, forfeited the lease to Warwick Bridge Corn Mill Limited (WBCML), thereby ending the tenancy. This was done in accordance with the power under the terms of the lease.

“Under the terms of the lease, and the business plan approved by funders, WBCML was obliged to pay rent and reimburse Cultura for insurance.

“However, WBCML was in breach of the terms because of ongoing non-payment of rent and insurance.

“The action of forfeiture was necessary because:

  1. the accumulated total accrued amount due at 31 January 2025 to Cultura by WBCML exceeded £50,000;
  2. WBCML has not paid any of Cultura’s invoices issued since May 2024, nor indicated when or if these would be paid, nor explained why these have not been paid;
  3. WBCML was unable to produce a forward plan to demonstrate that it could achieve operational and financial viability, meeting all of its financial obligations as they fall due and be able to pay future invoices in accordance with the terms of the lease.

“Under its obligations of due diligence as a charity, Cultura could not allow the debt to continue to accumulate.”

The Cultura Trust have been contacted for further comment.