New Corn Mill homes revealed
A HISTORIC 100-year-old South Elmsall building has been restored to its former glory and has been transformed into 12 new apartments.
The Old Corn Mill, on Station Road, was unveiled last Thursday.
The Mayor of South Elmsall Coun Richard Askew was at the opening and said he was excited with the new development.
He said: "The Corn Mill is a great historic building in the area and it's fantastic to see it renovated and put to use once again."
The mixture of one and two-bed apartments have been transformed by Chevin Housing Association after the building was left derelict for five years and attracted anti-social behaviour.
Local historian and South Elmsall town councillor Bob Hayhurst said it had become used as a dumping ground and he was happy to see it renovated.
He said: "It is not going to have that reputation any more and I am really happy it can be put to good use again.
"I think it's wonderful that a building with such historical value has been put to use while preserving its character. It is part of our heritage and I am really pleased it will be used again."
The mill was owned by J W Parkinson in the early 20th century and was converted from being wind-powered to steam-driven, ensuring the mill would work non-stop and did not rely on weather conditions.
In 1904, the Old Corn Mill was built to house the new machinery. In 1937, the mill was purchased by Harold Wressell and it stayed in the family until 1997.
It was then bought by a printing business which used it for the next eight years, but since then was left derelict.
Coun Askew added: "It's important to keep the history of the area alive and on display for people to see.
"There are so many buildings that have been knocked down and rebuilt to it's great to see that the mill has been put to use without major changes.
"It has really improved the look of South Elmsall."
Malcolm Wressell, grandson of the original owner Mr Harold Wressell, worked at the mill for nearly 40 years and said it was lovely to see the building has not gone to ruin and has been brought back to life.
He added its history has not been lost and meant a lot to his family and people from the community.
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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