New community centre for Brixton Windmill

By Alexandra Warren

The last surviving working windmill in South London is to get a community centre so residents can take part in some of its popular community projects – including making flour.

The 204-year-old Brixton Windmill, in Bleinham Gardens, has opened a new education hub next to its historic Grade-II listed building, which will host activities and generate funds to keep the landmark running.

The new building, designed by Brixton-based architects Squire & Partners and funded by Lambeth council, provides a main space for activities, as well as a grain store, a kitchen, bicycle parking and toilets, and will allow the windmill to expand its educational programmes and initiatives.

Jean Kerrigan, chairwoman of the Friends of Windmill Gardens, the group which runs the windmill, said: “The opening of the education building is a momentous occasion for us and will allow us to continue serving the local
community by providing vital space for workshops, classes and our flour production.

“I would like to thank architects Squire and Partners for their design, commitment and generous support for this project, and Lambeth council for recognising the role we have played within our local community for the past 17 years, and having the confidence in our volunteers’ ability to manage this wonderful new community space.”

Friends of Windmill Gardens currently offer guided tours of the mill and events for the community, including a Beer and Bread festival and workshops for local schools, and is planning to offer baking workshops in the new centre.

The mill also produces Brixton Mill flour using traditional techniques, which is used in local bakeries, restaurants and shops.

Pictured top: Brixton Windmill – and the start of construction work on the community centre