The team behind the Craggs Mill restoration is seeking donations after costs on the project spiralled.

The derelict building is set to be transformed into a multi-level community hub after owner Richard Porter invited ideas for bringing the mill back into use.

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After managing to complete planning permission, the team has launched a GoFundMe campaign as work starts to secure the structure of the building.

Richard said: “Costs are spiralling, and there are lots of unexpected fees.

“We managed to get donated labour, but the electricity board, building control, concrete and other materials for the basic build aren’t cheap.

“The cost for underpinning and stitching the food bank to the mill is currently standing at £1,000 in materials and building regulations.

“We’re just receiving silly bills that we can’t negotiate with, and we’re unsure of others. We’re on the ‘beg and borrow’ and won’t know until all resources have been exhausted.”

Preston Here for Humanity is among the community groups hoping to make use of the facilities, by turning an outbuilding into a food hub and offices.

Chris Murray, founder of Preston Here For Humanity, said: “The plan is that the upstairs would be our first headquarters and our forever home, so we can be more hands on everyday from a place of our own.

“The food hub would run like our hubs in Tanterton, Ashton and Much Hoole in that it would open one day a week for the members who use it weekly.

“As Craggs Mill is close to a lot of low income families and the city centre’s homeless people, it would also offer a daily outreach and emergency referrals service.

“All our hubs make a massive difference to the areas they open in. The mill would allow our growing and community-led organisation to do so much more for so much longer.”

Other groups expected to be involved with the community hub include Let’s Grow, who plan to create a community garden, and drug and alcohol charity Tribal Project.

Read more: 3D flythrough video shows Craggs Mill as you’ve never seen it before

The project has secured some funding from Preston City Council until at least 31 March 2021, and Councillor Nweeda Khan recently visited the premises to view progress.

To donate to the project, visit GoFundMe.

Read more: Latest news and updates from Blog Preston

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