We are driving forward the sympathetic repair and sustainable re-use of this at-risk iconic building and the wider site, bringing it back into daily use for the people of Dumfries

The MILLS Buildings from the air (source: Canmore.org.uk)

The Rosefield Mills buildings are the last surviving large-scale Victorian industrial buildings in Dumfries, and are therefore of key cultural and historic importance to the town.

In 2018 Rosefield Mills was purchased by Dumfries Historic Buildings Trust (DHBT) with the support of public donations and grant funding. DHBT is now driving forward the sympathetic repair and sustainable re-use of this iconic at-risk building.  

The wider former mills site extends to around 10 acres, and is located within the town centre, just five minutes’ walk from the High Street. There is huge scope for both the repair and re-use of the remaining architectural heritage as well as for developing a new creative neighbourhood through an outstanding piece of new mixed-use urban design that could include a variety of community, leisure, housing and business uses.

About DBHT

Dumfries Historic Buildings Trust is incorporated as a Building Preservation Trust with the purpose of advancing heritage by preserving and restoring, for public benefit, buildings of particular beauty or of historic, architectural or constructional interest, principally in and around Dumfries and Galloway; and to increase awareness, appreciation, and education relating to the architectural heritage of Dumfries and Galloway and the surrounding region.

Find out more about the Trust

What is the overall vision for The Mills?

The aspirational vision is that the restoration of this magnificent riverfront building becomes a catalyst for the renewal and regeneration of the wider 10-acre site. The development of the main Rosefield Mills building will be community driven, seeking to provide a range of multi-use and multi-purpose spaces which meet a number of community needs including: 

  • To save this beautiful unique building
  • Conserve its character and fabric to the highest standard
  • Make the most of its fabulous position on the beautiful River Nith
  • New and sustainable uses for Rosefield Mills that maximise the economic and community benefit for Dumfries
  • Temporary exhibition and engagement on heritage and cultural activities
  • Small scale business units
  • Café and/or restaurant on the riverfront
  • An attractive public space between the building and the river Nith, connecting with the existing pedestrian and cycle route along the river

What has been done to date?

Since taking ownership of The Rosefield Mills main building in 2018, the Dumfries Historic Buildings Trust have been working to bring the building back into daily use, including the following works:

  • Undertaken various emergency repairs, including to the roofing
  • Created a small kitchen area and WC on the ground floor
  • Carried out refurbishments to secure and power a couple internal spaces
  • Fundraising activities
  • Community engagement activities
  • Commissioned various feasibility studies covering architectural, structural and business plan outcomes
  • Commissioned GRAS in 2022, to propose an architectural concept design based on a non-intrusive, affordable and conservation-orientated approach to repairing and re-using the building
  • Commissioned New Practice in 2024 to lead on community and stakeholder engagement, outreach, market testing and business case development

Find out More:

Dumfries Historic Buildings Trust

Donate and Support:

Share your Support for the Project or Join the DHBT Mailing List
DONATE to the Rosefield Mills ProjecT FUND

Volunteer Opportunities:

If you would like to volunteer as part of the Working Group for Rosefield Mills, or get involved with the work of Dumfries Historic Buildings Trust, please contact Richard Polley by email.

Further contact information can be found in the footer.