Producing flour in Brixton and host of community workshops

By Grainne Cuffe, Local Democracy Reporter

London’s last working windmill is to become part of an education and community centre.

The centre at Brixton Windmill, just off Blenheim Gardens, will offer events and education for residents, school groups, adult learners, and local groups.

The new centre will be funded by Lambeth council and run by the Friends of Windmill Gardens (FoWG), who will manage it when it opens to the public in September.

Brixton Windmill is a Grade II listed structure built in 1816 as a working flour mill, locally known as Ashby’s Mill after the family of millers.

The mill ceased production in 1934, and was first opened to the public in the 1960s when the land around it was laid out as a public park.

After periods of use and neglect the windmill was restored by the council with Heritage Lottery funding and returned to public use in 2011.

FoWG offers guided tours of the windmill and hosts events for the surrounding community, including the Beer & Bread festival and workshops for schools.

The charity mills Brixton Windmill flour. It plans to run baking workshops in the new centre.

Jean Kerrigan, chairwoman of the Friends of Windmill Gardens, said: “Brixton Windmill has been at the heart of Lambeth for more than 200 years.

“The opening of the education building is a momentous occasion for us and will allow FoWG to continue serving the community by providing vital space for workshops, classes and our flour production.”

Councillor Sonia Winifred, Lambeth’s cabinet member for equalities and culture said: “The Windmill is such a valuable community asset and landmark for the borough.

“This new education centre will help people learn about the Windmill’s past and present, encourage more people to visit the site and create an important legacy for future generations.”

Pictured: Brixton Windmill and centre