After months of discussions Warwick Bridge Corn Mill has been reopened in a ‘logical step for community.’

On March 28 2025, Cultura Trust handed over the keys and freehold of an historic
watermill to Warwick Bridge Corn Mill Limited, which has operated the mill as a tenant since 2020.

This will allow Warwick Bridge Corn Mill Limited to begin trading again immediately.

Deborah Jenkins, Chair of Cultura, explained that “this arrangement is a logical step for a
community and its asset.

“It does mean that Cultura must write off a substantial debt, but our charitable role, in this our 60th anniversary year, is to enable projects and support communities.”

While Fiona Brew, Co-Chair of Warwick Bridge Corn Mill Limited, welcomed the opportunity that ownership of the mill
brings saying: “Warwick Bridge Corn Mill Limited is excited to be able to trade again and return to supplying our markets, wholesale customers and community.

“We would like to thank everyone for their support and words of encouragement over the last two months and look forward to seeing you again.”

The Cultura Trust, formerly North of England Civic Trust, acquired the mill in 2015 and raised nearly £2m to purchase and restore the grade II* listed mill back to full operation.

With £1.4m from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, £187,000 from Historic England, and other grants from Cumbria County Council and a range of charitable trusts and donors.

Earlier a grant from the Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF) in 1999/2000 had helped establish that a working mill and bakery was a viable proposition, powered by its revived historic water supply.

The Architectural Heritage Fund and the Plunkett Foundation provided grants and advice to establish if a Community Benefit Society could be set up to run the mill.

Warwick Bridge Corn Mill Limited was born from the support of nearly 250 not-for-profit shareholder investors and the Co-Operatives UK Community Share Scheme, and a fit-out of the bakery ready for operation was achieved.

Building up the operation of stoneground flour and artisan crafted baked products from a start during the Covid pandemic was not easy for Warwick Bridge Corn Mill Limited or Cultura.

The transfer has received invaluable support from Carlisle MP, Julie Minns: ‘starting a new
local venture during Covid was a tough call.

“But this unique project has persevered and
deserves our support, and custom, as it moves into a new phase.”

The transfer of the freehold gives Warwick Bridge Corn Mill Limited full control over its premises and business; it frees up Cultura to move on to other projects.