UPDATE: The GrowForward Project at Chelfham Mill is rapidly transforming into one of North Devon‘s most ambitious community initiatives, blending heritage restoration, environmental stewardship, and mental wellbeing. The project has gained momentum, attracting significant support from local residents and authorities, and is set to redefine community engagement in the region.
Just announced, the project aims to convert the former boarding school and watermill into a vibrant hub focused on mental health and community activities. Over the last two years, a dedicated but largely unfunded team has successfully reclaimed the derelict site, which was once in a state of disrepair. Partial restorations have already provided space for various community initiatives, showcasing the project’s immediate impact.
Daniel Argent, director of community and communications for GrowForward, described the undertaking as “exhausting but overwhelmingly positive.” The project is receiving remarkable backing, evidenced by dozens of letters from leaders in mental health, local government, and heritage organizations.
“The GrowForward Project is a brilliantly conceived programme to convert the former special needs school into a centre for restoration and rejuvenation,”
stated Andrew Bell, CEO of the UNESCO North Devon Biosphere.
The project is ambitious, aiming to develop a mental wellbeing learning center, a riverside bistro, and a heritage center that highlights the site’s rich industrial and cultural history. By 2026, the GrowForward Project hopes to offer training and courses up to degree level in areas such as counselling and psychotherapy. This initiative will not only benefit participants but also provide visitors with access to community-focused hospitality and exhibitions about local heritage, including the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway.
Community support continues to be a cornerstone of the project. A high-profile event hosted on December 4, 2023, exploring the valley’s natural resources, drew significant public interest, reaching full capacity and exceeding expectations. The event was backed by organizations like the National Trust and the Environment Agency, highlighting the integration of biodiversity, flood resilience, and heritage conservation. A social media post thanking supporters generated over 160 likes, illustrating the strong community backing for the initiative.
Devon County Councillor Andrea Davis praised the project, calling it “a truly visionary undertaking” that offers immense value to both the community and the environment. The project emphasizes inclusivity, featuring neurodivergent-led programs and a digital creativity hub that provides safe spaces for all participants. The e-sports hub is set to open once the required computer equipment is secured, enhancing the project’s wellbeing offerings.
Local partners, including the Barnstaple & Yeo Valley Railway Trust and the Brook Wood Trust, are collaborating with GrowForward to develop a cohesive community ecosystem. This multifaceted approach allows for shared resources and cross-referral opportunities, promoting holistic wellbeing and cultural enrichment.
As the GrowForward Project moves closer to its full opening, which may happen between 2026 and 2027, it aims to position Chelfham as a key destination for ethical tourism, heritage appreciation, and holistic wellbeing. The project’s timeline will be influenced by successful funding bids, including support from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
With continued community support, the GrowForward Project is poised to make a lasting impact on North Devon, setting a precedent for future community-led regeneration efforts. As Ian Roome, MP for North Devon, noted, this initiative serves as “a model for community-led regeneration that many others will want to emulate.” The world will be watching as Chelfham Mill evolves into a sanctuary for education, reflection, and community engagement.
