Industrial Evolution at Friars Mill

Following significant refurbishment, Friars Mill has welcomed its first tenants. As a robust cornerstone of the waterside, Friars Mill has existed since 1739 and was, until 2006, home to the Donisthorpe company.

In recent years, Friars Mill became a shadow of its former self, suffering a fire in 2012 which destroyed an already derelict building. As a result of investment by ERDF and Leicester City Council, Friars Mill now offers 15 managed units ideal for businesses established in Leicester which need more space whilst maintaining the convenience of city centre amenities.

Over the past fortnight, Friars Mill has become home to East Midlands Chamber’s Leicester office. Tom Munro, Centre Manager at Friars Mill, commented; ‘Having Chamber staff on site will be a huge benefit to other tenants. Friars Mill has been designed to provide space for collaboration, and having the Chamber’s suite of business support services within easy reach is a huge advantage’.

In addition to East Midlands Chamber, the management function of Ace Cleaning has also taken an office. Tom added; ‘As an established and family-run Leicester business, we were keen to support the continued development of Ace in Leicester. Traditionally, many businesses have been forced to seek larger accommodation outside of the City. Friars Mill gives us the opportunity to keep people and, more importantly, spend in the City’.

Several other tenants are planning to move in before July, including the Leicester & Leicestershire Local Enterprise Partnership’s Business Gateway Team.