Our strategic partnership with the Arkwright Society aims to foster innovative projects, enrich educational experiences, and support regional development, all while preserving and celebrating the rich heritage of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site (DVMWHS). The partnership is a testament to our shared commitment to excellence, sustainability, and community engagement.
About the Arkwright Society
Founded in 1971, the Arkwright Society is dedicated to preserving Cromford Mills, a Grade I listed site and a key part of the DVMWHS. The Society plays a crucial role in promoting industrial history and archaeology, offering educational experiences, delivering over 70 school visits annually. With a focus on environmental sustainability and community engagement, the Arkwright Society strives to ensure a vibrant future for Cromford Mills, supporting its educational, conservation, and commercial activities. The recent installation of a turbine-operated water wheel exemplifies their commitment to green energy and sustainability.
Our Strategic Partnership
Our Strategic Partnership Agreement marks a significant step in enhancing collaboration between the University and the Arkwright Society. The Arkwright Society will leverage the University's expertise to advance its strategic goals, support the continued regeneration of the Cromford Mills site, and foster new research and educational opportunities.
“We are delighted to be entering into a partnership with the University of Derby,” said Eilis Scott, CEO of the Arkwright Society. “We have always put learning at the heart of our offer, and I am excited to see how collaboration across a number of departments with students and staff alike can bring new perspectives to our engagement and education programme.”
This partnership is designed to optimise our collective impact, drive regional development, and elevate the profile of both organisations.
On Friday, 20 September, staff visited the iconic Cromford Mills as part of our new strategic partnership with the Arkwright Society. This exciting collaboration opens a wealth of opportunities for both the university and our students to engage with this remarkable site, which is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site but also a hub of innovation, education, and conservation.
Opportunities and Projects
Our partnership aims to offer numerous opportunities for students and staff, including:
- Experiential Learning: Opportunities to work on applied projects that address real-world challenges, enhancing their employability and industry experience. Students will engage in hands-on projects related to Environmental Science, Engineering, History, Heritage, and Art, applying their knowledge in real-world settings.
- Curriculum Enhancement: We will incorporate the Arkwright Society’s expertise into the curriculum, offering students insights into heritage interpretation, business development, and sustainability.
- Special Educational Needs: The partnership will support the development of inclusive educational materials and activities, benefiting students with special educational needs.
- Mentorship and Support: Students will have access to mentorship from industry professionals and support for entrepreneurial ventures within the Cromford Mills site.
- Research Projects: Students can get involved in research that contributes to the understanding and preservation of the heritage site, and the development of new knowledge in related fields
“As a Civic University, the University of Derby is committed to initiatives that make a real difference to local communities,” said
Matthew Day, Deputy Dean of the University of Derby’s College of Arts Humanities and Education. “We look forward to working in partnership with the Arkwright Society, using our knowledge and expertise to contribute to the development masterplan and providing our students with real-world learning experiences.”
Mutual benefits
Both organisations stand to gain significantly from this collaboration:
- Enhanced Research and Innovation: Joint research initiatives and funding bids will advance our mutual goals and contribute to the development of the Cromford Mills site.
- Increased Visibility: Our combined efforts will raise the profile of both the Arkwright Society and the University through shared projects, events, and media coverage.
- Community Impact: We will collaborate on regional initiatives that support tourism, business development, and education within the DVMWHS area.
Accelerating growth
This partnership sets the stage for future growth and development:
- Major Funding Bids: We will collaborate on significant funding applications, including bids to the National Lottery Heritage Fund and other agencies.
- Expanded Partnerships: The agreement will lay the groundwork for additional collaborations with third parties such as Derby Museums, the Florence Nightingale Museum Trust, other sites within the DVMWHS and other World Heritage sites, and partners in the environmental, green economy, science, heritage and education sectors.
- Long-Term Impact: Our partnership aims to drive sustainable growth, enhance educational opportunities, and contribute to the ongoing success of the Arkwright Society and the University.
Success stories
In 2023, the charity received a £198,000 grant as part of The Green Entrepreneurs Programme; a partnership between the university and Derbyshire County Council. The £2 million grant fund was set up to support individuals and organisations in the county looking to invest in and develop projects that support the drive towards the UK’s target of net zero carbon by 2050.
The Arkwright Society used the funds towards reinstating renewable hydro energy at the Grade I listed Cromford Mills and were also supported by Severn Trent Community Fund, Gilkes, Vaillant Boilers, Matrix and many donors. The six-metre diameter water wheel - a 15kWH hydro turbine and water source heating system - will generate approximately 20 to 25% of the site’s electricity and was unveiled to the public earlier in 2024.
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