Plans for an “Artisans’ Hub” on Tayside are being drawn up with Historic Environment Scotland.
Up to 115 jobs could be created if the plans to turn the disused East Range of Stanley Mills, on the banks of the Tay, is converted into workshops for artisan craftspeople.
The businessman behind the proposal wants to relaunch the mill with six artists’ studios in the building’s attic and as many as 18 manufacturing workshops, along with a cafeteria, retail space, meeting rooms and more.
Artisans being particularly targeted by the project include potters, jewellers, ceramicists and engravers, as well as those who work with wood, leather, glass, textiles and pewter.
To the south of the former cotton mill building, space has been earmarked for a lecture theatre to host demonstrations of crafters at work, as well as, potentially, a small cinema and a stage for music events and amateur dramatics.
Discussions relating to regenerating the cotton mill have opened with HES but the businessman, who wishes to remain anonymous for now, said the project will not progress without them on board.
The building has fallen into disrepair and has been subject to vandalism since its closure, and both Stanley Community Council and local councillors back the plan, providing funding for the refit – potentially as much as £5 million – can be sourced.
A similar project has proved successful at Cultrbraggan Camp near Comrie and renovation work is underway to convert the former St John’s Primary building into Perth Creative Exchange for creative artisans to set up in the city centre.
He said: “Lots of people are brilliantly creative but not business-minded, and lots are the other way around. We’re hoping to run this like a factory led from the shop floor.
“As this is a state-owned building, it hasn’t been issued with a statutory repair order. It’s an idyllic setting and a great asset and after speaking to the staff, they seemed interested.
“The feedback I’ve had from local residents and the community council has been very heartening and encouraging. I can’t do this by myself though, as the renovation work needs to be done by HES.
“Scotland has one of the widest and most loyal diasporas in the world and that’s something we’d like to focus on.
“Whilst each artisan and their technicians would operate individually, we would look to have an umbrella marketing and sales team to sell both from the premises and online.”
A HES spokesperson said: “We are keen to explore options for the sustainable reuse of the East Range at Stanley Mills, which are a nationally important range of Category B Listed buildings.
“While we have been approached with a number of ideas and proposals regarding future possible uses of the site, there are currently no firm plans on the table for redevelopment.”
