The unveiling of a nineteenth century cog marked the official opening this week of our new housing development, Old Mill Court in Bettws, Newport.
A partnership project between ourselves, developer Morganstone and Newport City Council.
The nineteen affordable homes comprise 5 x three bed houses; 4 x two bed houses; 1 x two bed flats; and 9 x one bed flats are built on the site of the former Merry Miller public house, in an area that had long suffered anti-social behaviour problems.
The unveiling was a low key affair, attended by Councillor Janet Cleverly and members of the project team.
During the course of the preparation works undertaken on the site of the former Merry Miller public house, the old cog was discovered and identified as being part of Malpas Mill which formerly stood on the site. The Mill was constructed in the mid to late 19th century and was destroyed in the period after the Second World War. The cast iron driving cog would have transferred power from the water wheel to the grindstone mechanism and formed part of the mill.
As part of its community engagement work, Morganstone undertook a heritage project to restore and return the cog to its place of origin. The cog now stands on a plinth within the development and boasts a special commemorative bronze plaque in recognition of the history that residents will now share.
Neil Taylor, Senior Project Manager, Pobl Group said “It’s been really interesting to work on a development that has so much social history behind it. As a symbol of local heritage, the cog deserves to be on display in a place where the local community can link back to its cultural past. The Old Mill Court development will provide much needed affordable housing in Bettws, bringing the past into the present and breathing life back into a previously abandoned area and derelict building.”
The Old Mill Court residential development replaces the former Merry Miller public house which was demolished in 2015 after having lain derelict for a number of years.
Ian Morgan, Managing Director, Morganstone said;
“Being involved with redevelopment projects are always unique in their own way and the Old Mill Court redevelopment was no exception, with the opportunity to transform a run-down public house into much needed affordable housing in the area.
Then to come across the cog from the old mill during construction just added to the history of the project and thankfully we were able to uncover, store and retain the cog throughout the construction period and allow future generations to see a piece of our history”
Councillor Janet Cleverly, Newport City Council said “I was very pleased to be invited to this opening ceremony of the Heritage project at the old Merry Miller housing development site now called Old Mill Court.
Pleased that Morganstone and Pobl worked together in Partnership on this project, as this is the way forward in Housing Developments. This housing development has definitely improved the area. Also it was excellent news that they uncovered the Cog from part of the Malpas Mill. Well done to all involved, preserving local history in Bettws”.
Article added: 26th October 2017
