Merton Abbey Mills (1988 – 2005)

"The working mill, with its market, pub and theatre is the jewel in [the Wandle's] crown" — Evening Standard

In 1988 Sainsbury’s asked USM to undertake the renovation of the derelict listed buildings of Liberty’s historic silk printing works as a visitor centre. Through imaginative design and tight budgeting USM created a scheme of appropriate rental value for the area, yet to a high enough standard to merit Civic Trust LTD and English Heritage awards.

The mixed–use site consists of a weekend arts, crafts and food market, shops, pub, restaurants, offices, studios, a theatre, heritage museum (with working waterwheel), archaeological museum and music venue. In addition to frequent promotions and cultural events USM established a two month long summer festival of music and drama. Under USM’s stewardship Merton Abbey Mills became a major attraction with over 500,000 visits a year, and is the Borough’s of Merton’s most significant regeneration project