Allen Mill Regeneration is a visitor centre set in an area of outstanding natural beauty overlooking the Allen river. Located in the outskirts of the North Pennine market town of Allendale (which was voted village of the year in the 2007 UK Calor competition) is just 15 minutes south of Hexham on the A69 from Newcastle upon Tyne to Carlisle. This exciting destination was originally the centre of lead smelting in the 17th century.
Allen Mill Regeneration provides an exciting experience with its unique mix of shops, tourist attractions and services. In February 2009 the Allendale Brewery (which has been trading and offering brewery visits since 2007) was joined by Allendale Bakery & Tearoom, which is now open 6 days a week (closed on Tuesdays). Red Onion Kitchen Design and Allen Valleys Physiotherapy are now open. STARS provides a centre for the study and practice of the visual arts including traditional/historic techniques of
painting and printmaking and contemporary artists' practice and has a shop and exhibition area.
Allen Mill Regeneration is a 'green' development site, based on sustainability and a concern to preserve an important part of the cultural heritage of the Allen Valleys. The Allen Mill site was the centre of the lead mining industry in the Allen Valley from the 17th Century and much of the original flue tunnels and bunkers etc. remain. Original buildings on site are being restored and new build on original foundations will recreate the appearance of the site in its heyday. The site has undergone a substantial programme of conservation, restoration and rebuilding to provide a vital boost to the economy of the Allen Valley.
The site is being developed for small to medium sized businesses under the title of business, leisure, tourism and heritage. Being in a rural area we are interested in businesses which will compliment the existing food and craft base such as cheese and ice cream making, confectionary e.g. a chocolatier, plants/market gardening services would also be an excellent addition to the site. Research in the local community has shown that leisure businesses such as yoga, health and beauty and laundry/dry cleaning services would also be welcomed.