The structural changes have already enlivened and dramatically altered the listed building space making it more accessible for everybody, including the installation of the lift from the lower part of the Mill to the counter area and the mezzanine weaver's studio level. We are now moving forward to obtain the planning permission for our new £3 million project.

The Architectural Concept and Vision for a Craft Ark. The new space would be built on the site of the gallery, also utilising the footprint of the restaurant. Zombori-Moldovan Moore, our architects, have designed a contemporary building, open, transparent and light, floating and bridging over the landscape, distinct from the historic mill's solidity. The design has become known as The Craft Ark, resting at the water's edge, a vessel full of life and activity of the Mill, spilling out onto the land.

A strong open structure has been conceived for the building that will give great scope for collaborations with craftspeople. Zombory-Moldovan Moore anticipate organising workshops to involve key makers in the development of the building design and materiality. The influence of methods underpinning crafts ranging from weaving, through ceramics to working with timber will be absorbed into the detailed design process to make a rich setting for the Mill's activities.

Model of the future Walford Mill Crafts building made by Chris Gibson,
who is a BA Model Making Course student at the Arts Institute in Bournemouth.