Milford Mills regeneration reaches key milestone as heritage housing scheme progresses

Wavensmere Homes has reached a key construction milestone at its £22 million Milford Mills redevelopment in Derbyshire, with the first roofs now completed on site.

The scheme is transforming the historic mill site between Belper and Duffield, located within the Derwent Valley Mills UNESCO World Heritage Site, into a new residential community overlooking the River Derwent.

Once complete, the development will deliver 69 homes, comprising a mix of houses and apartments designed for first-time buyers, families and downsizers.

The project includes a strong heritage-led design approach, with works incorporating:

• Restoration of the Mill Lade and original boundary walls

• Conversion of the Grade II-listed Dye House into commercial space

• Use of locally sourced stone and natural slate materials

• New public open spaces across the site

A number of homes have already been reserved off-plan, with prices ranging from £265,000 to £440,000.

According to Wavensmere Homes, the development forms part of wider regeneration activity across Derbyshire and the Midlands, with completion of the full scheme expected by mid-2027. First residents are anticipated to move in from October 2026.

The project continues the developer’s focus on heritage-led regeneration schemes that blend new housing with the preservation and reuse of historic industrial assets.