Work is finally about to begin on Brixton Windmill’s education centre. A contractor has been chosen and construction is due to start soon and to be completed in December.
New and improved workshops for local school groups visiting the windmill will be one benefit of the centre which has been designed by Brixton-based architects Squire & Partners. It will also be used for classes for adults and children ranging from baking and jam making to science and art projects. Local community groups will also be able to book it for events, meetings and seminars.
Lambeth council will pay about £700,000 for the centre and the Friends of Windmill Gardens will manage it.
Cllr Sonia Winifred, council cabinet member for equalities and culture, said: “The Friends of Windmill Gardens have worked closely with the council to make this happen and I’m delighted to get the contractor appointed and push it forward. I can’t wait to see it open.”
Jean Kerrigan, chair of Friends of Windmill Gardens, said: “The Friends have campaigned over many years to get to this stage. Thanks to pro-bono work by architects Squire and Partners we will have a beautiful building in keeping with the historic Grade II* Brixton Windmill that will be of great benefit to our local community.
During construction volunteers will continue to open the windmill to visitors, regularly mill stone-ground Brixton Windmill Flour, and organise community events in the park.
The friends will also be fundraising to fit out the building and to train volunteers so that the windmill is ready for the next phase of its 202-year history.
