Heritage Conservation and Adaptive Reuse of Textile Mills in UK and Germany

Jones, Paul; Oevermann, Heike

Abstract

Heritage conservation and adaptive reuses of textile mills are not only tasks for planners, architects, and conservationists in practice, but are also framed by policies, inspired by initiatives, and promoted by real estate companies. Forty years of experience in Northwest England, and practices in the Rhine region of Germany provide reflections on good practice in heritage conservation and adaptive reuse. The article considers case studies of smaller cities and towns neighbouring these two industrial regions. Our main findings are: first, best practice criteria for heritage conservation of textile mills differ slightly between England and Germany. The discussion in England pays more attention to long-term use and effective management, and we also recognise the influence of powerful stakeholders with economic interests. Second, heritage conservation and adaptive reuse of textile mills is an important task for regional mills, smaller textile towns and within areas of deprivation. Furthermore, such areas provide examples of good practice. Third, a ‘one size fits all’ approach is not appropriate: instead, such projects require a variety of motivations, stakeholders, and concepts. Most important is the key role of heritage conservation in awareness-building, research, listing of heritage, and consultancy in the planning and construction processes.

Citation

Jones, P., & Oevermann, H. (2021). Heritage Conservation and Adaptive Reuse of Textile Mills in UK and Germany. Historic Environment: Policy and Practice, 13(1), 91-120. https://doi.org/10.1080/17567505.2021.1970911

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Aug 2, 2021
• Online Publication Date: Sep 22, 2021
• Publication Date: Sep 22, 2021
• Deposit Date: Aug 13, 2024
• Journal: The Historic Environment Policy and Practice
• Print ISSN: 1756-7505
• Publisher: Routledge
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 13
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 91-120
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/17567505.2021.1970911