The University of Portsmouth has been awarded £35,000 to work with The Water Mill in Calbourne — one of the oldest working mills in the UK.
The project, funded by Innovate UK and Geo Weeks and Sons LTD, a family run business who own the historic water mill, aims to develop the tourism potential of the mill and contribute to the growth of the local economy.
It runs until the end of March 2023 and is part of an Innovate UK Accelerated Knowledge Transfer to Innovate (AKT2I) project.
Calbourne's Water Mill dates back to the 1086 Domesday Book.
It is the only working water mill on the Island and provides a working museum for visitors, as well as milling flour and oats.
In addition to the museum, the rural site offers holiday accommodation in the old mill house, cottages and eco lodges.
Sally Chaucer, Managing Director of The Water Mill, said:
“We see this award as part of a longer-term association with the University.
"We hope that together, with the University and the Island's community, we are able to build a sustainable future for The Water Mill, Calbourne and the Island.”
The project is a result of the University of Portsmouth and Isle of Wight Council’s Business Boost programme, a free business support programme offered to all businesses on the Isle of Wight.
Having attended the programme, Sally Chaucer was supported by the University to apply for funding.
The University of Portsmouth has close business links with the Island.
Last year, it signed a new partnership agreement with Ryde Town Council to help raise the regional and national profile of both the Isle of Wight and Portsmouth.
The agreement covers areas of mutual interest such as addressing educational inequalities, finding solutions to environmental issues and supporting sustained economic growth in the region.
As part of the agreement, the University of Portsmouth is delivering its first ever 'Help to Grow' management course on the Island.
Delivered in collaboration with industry experts and experienced entrepreneurs, the course includes 12 weeks of in-depth training, 1:1 business mentoring to help apply learnings, and the opportunity to grow business fast.
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