The Steam Mill, Chester

The Steam Mill is a Grade II listed building located on Steam Mill Street in Chester, Cheshire, England. The Mill was originally built in 1786, during the Georgian era.

Location

Sitting on the banks of the Shropshire Union Canal, Steam Mill lies within close proximity to both Chester Railway Station and Chester town centre.

Steam Mill is located approximately a seven-minute walk from Chester Railway Station, and around 10 minutes from Chester town centre.

The latitude/ longitude of Steam Mill is 53.19348104, -2.87975728.

Architecture and fittings

While the building has been refurbished by James Brotherhood and Associates architects, it retains many of its original features, including exposed brickwork and wooden beams.

Steam Mill has a large, five-story atrium, shower and changing facilities, secure bike storage, lift access, on-site car parking, and private meeting rooms.

History

photo of information about Chester Steam Mill

Steam Mill was one of the first canal-side steam-powered mills, and was built on disused meadowland in 1786 for Chester Corn and Flour Merchants: Samuel Walker, George Walker, and Hugh Ley.

In 1819, the mill was sold to Frost & Sons, who are responsible for building the present structure that remains today. Frost & Sons had formerly owned the Dee Mills, which they acquired shortly after moving to Chester in 1818. Unfortunately, Dee Mills were ruined by a fire in 1819, which is thought to be the reason behind the move to Steam Mill In 1827, Frost & Sons replaced the original steam engine.

The ownership of the mill was handed to seed merchant David Miln in 1938. The building remained in use as a mill until 1986.

Today, Steam Mill is owned by Threadneedle Pensions Ltd, and managed by joint agents Legat Owen and Mason Owen, and serves as a hub for several offices and businesses, including thimbl.