Two of the original buildings remain on the site, the first (which was used for silver recovery) now houses the Allendale Brewery which has achieved great acclaim and success for its range of real ales. The other half of this building houses the Allen Mill Printing works and 'STARS' which is a resource centre for local artists and which offers courses on traditional painting and printmaking techniques, a printing museum and workshop with a range of historic printing presses.
The second building is the original stable block which has been restored to accommodate 7 units to let. Five units are currently let, with two remaining units available to let.
Each unit can use up to 10% of floor space for retail purposes for goods manufactured, processed or packaged on site. Most of the tennants have been supported with Business Link grants for new business setup costs.
The project has received substantial financial support from DEFRA and NSP with funding from the eco-friendly and ethical Co-op Bank. Real sustainability is essential for the long term success of the project so the whole development is attempting a carbon zero footprint and the lowest possible utilities costs to tenants. This is achieved through the high quality building which includes high levels of insulation and double glazing. Under floor heating powered by a combination of solar thermal and gasifying log boiler. The site will also have its own sewage treatment plant with reed beds and a filter system to treat all ground and surface water before discharge into the river East Allen. The current electricity supply is two phase; it is hoped that an upgrade to three phase will be possible in the future.