£1m facelift promise for mill

£1m facelift promise for mill

A former flour mill could be turned into a museum and business complex under a £1m plan put forward by a Kent businessman.

The Old Flour Mill, in Buckland, Dover, has been bought by property developer John Mahon, who has pledged to invest £100,000 a year over 10 years in the site.

He intends to open a museum and give the public access to its private lake and stretch of the River Dour.

Dover town centre manager Mike Webb said the whole Buckland district could benefit from the plans.

'Most beautiful site'

"I can see that area turning more and more residential as the centre of gravity moves towards the south of the town," he said.

"If that mill becomes residential it brings up the whole area and gives access to the people of Dover to a most beautiful site."

Part of the historic building will also be rented out for commercial use.

Mr Mahon said: "We see the local schools and local organisations being able to come on to the river, take a boat out, enjoy fishing, enjoy picnics.

"We see that a museum will remind Dover of the mill heritage.

"Our intentions will be to make it free to the public - they will be able to come in and see a little bit of history."

The decision over whether to grant planning permission will be made by Dover District Council.