Building Opinions: Robert Nemeth
Millenium Mills
First Base recently burst onto the scene in Brighton with plans to redevelop the depressing Anston House site beside Preston Park. I recently visited for a tour of its centrepiece – one of the capital’s most intriguing derelict structures.
Millenium Mills strikes quite a picture. It is surrounded simultaneously by several famous landmarks (the Thames Barrier, City Airport, ExCel Centre, Royal Victoria Dock) and acres of nothing. It is immediately identifiable as both forgotten and special.
East London itself is famously industrial but not so well-known is the Silvertown explosion of 1917 – one of the largest ever explosions in Britain – which saw 50 tonnes of TNT decimate people and property. A damaged older mill structure was replaced with a ten-storey concrete Art Deco flour mill in 1933.
Unlike Anston House, which itself is an embarrassment, Millenium Mills will be staying when the site is redeveloped. It will take pride of place as an office block for start-up companies alongside a new public square. Its interior is a dream for urban explorers and much of it will stay that way. I asked if asbestos had been found during the clean-up stages. I was told that 650 tonnes had so far been removed. This is a gigantic project.
There are features everywhere within the building, and many other original items have been removed for safekeeping. Confusing though are the many missing floors. Only the most vital concrete beams have been left in place which makes the floors look like pillared walls.
If it wasn’t for the ten-storey drops, it would be the perfect place for one serious party.
