Sleaford Bass Maltings Feb '13

[mookster]

This was a good start to the day....

History stolen from another report.

The former Bass Maltings are a Grade II* listed complex built between 1901 and 1907 that consists of nine parallel ranges of brick buildings. They are one of the largest and most spectacular example of buildings of their kind in Britain.

The central block has an engine house and water tower which is flanked by six-storey malt houses on either side containing Steeps, Kilns and Granaries. It has a total floor space of 500,000 square feet and occupies a site of 13.3 acres with a frontage almost 1,000 ft long. Internally there is a substantial amount of surviving machinery and fittings relating to the maltings process....but the place was well sealed so I didn’t get to see any, only the fire damaged parts as their roofs were missing. The engines from the water tower have been removed and housed in the Bass Museum in Burton on Trent

Associated with the main maltings buildings are the former Mess Rooms. In separate ownership are also the former Company Housing, Cart Shed, Stables, Weigh Office and other ancillary buildings.
The buildings overlook open countryside but it is physically very close to the centre of Sleaford, separated only by the railway line.

Maltings operations ceased in 1959 and the buildings were subsequently used for poultry farming and vegetable processing.

An application in 1982 to demolish the Maltings was refused at appeal in 1984

The leasehold has been acquired by Gladedale Special Projects Ltd, a developer with a track record of regenerating historic buildings and is working along with English Heritage to design a sympathetic development for the site. Proposals include 204 residential dwellings, healthcare and community facilities, retail and restaurant space.

A large amount of the place is sealed tight but we still found ways into a couple of the malthouses and the all-important water tower (with THAT staircase). I don't think I've ever had to climb so many fences in all my life to get round this place though, it's nuts.

Sadly I suffered major camera issues (mainly being me) along with the weather (bitterly cold and snowing) so I really feel I haven't done this place justice at all but here goes.



























More here if you're interested http://www.flickr.com/photos/mookie427/sets/72157632835899887/

 

[Lucky Pants]

Super pictures a nice slice of history, thanks for sharing .

 

[steve2109]

Great stuff mate, I loved this place when I went and your pictures make it look even better, nice one

 

[flyboys90]

Cracking cast iron staircase,thanks for sharing.

 

[UrbanX]

Nice one! Great pics as always.
The outer, probably easiest fence claimed 4 pairs of trousers when we visited
Cheers for sharing

 

[sonyes]

Great pics and report, love this place sooooo want to see it

 

[mookster]

Nice one! Great pics as always.
The outer, probably easiest fence claimed 4 pairs of trousers when we visited
Cheers for sharing

That outer fence is sketchy as! Although ultimately it was one of the interior dividing fences that ripped a hole in mine....

Cheers guys, I guess I did do it sort of justice then haha

 

[perjury saint]

Very nice pix indeed! Do love that staircase...

 

[UE-OMJ]

Nice one! Great pics as always.
The outer, probably easiest fence claimed 4 pairs of trousers when we visited
Cheers for sharing

I was amazed you were wearing 4 pairs of trousers

Great pics - awesome place.

 

[Sshhhh...]

Very nice shots there! Great bit of history too.You braved the roof, I couldn't get any further than the first flight of stairs after the spiral when we went. The nerves kicked in, soft I know! Great report

 

[Mars Lander]

Great post and interesting piks of the other parts we came for the STAIRCASE, will post ours up when we get round to sorting the piks, the roof is ace , altho it did attract some unwanted attention haha

 

[mookster]

Great post and interesting piks of the other parts we came for the STAIRCASE, will post ours up when we get round to sorting the piks, the roof is ace , altho it did attract some unwanted attention haha

Look what I just saw in the corner of one of my rooftop shots, I saw these three walking away as we made our way off the roof....sorry kids, you can't come in today!

 

[Judderman62]

nice is that place

 

[prettyvacant71]

ah yes i do like the maltings, great to see she still looks good from your lovely pics

good on you for squeezing up that tube onto the roof

 

[Stealthstar79]

Love this place, thanks for sharing!
Another great pic of the stairs

 

[mookster]

good on you for squeezing up that tube onto the roof

That tube through the water tank is a brilliant piece of design, as it stops you falling down the ladder! I was perched quite happily with my head out the hatch, feet resting on the ladder and my back leaning against the tube no hands at all Think my mate took various photos of me throughout the day....so hopefully he can send me them...

 

[ZerO81]

Nice set of shots mate.

Sounds like the place has change somewhat since my visit as once through the main fence (a walk in at the time) it was open access everywhere!

 

[Goldie87]

Nice pics, its good to see the place is still being done. Does sound like some things have changed regarding access.

 

[mookster]

I reckon there would have been more open down the far end but after spending ages there climbing over endless fences finding nothing we were cold, knackered and hungry so called time, glad a couple were open though. It does seem to get sealed up properly occasionally from what I've heard.

 

[Mars Lander]

It wasnt 'can't come in today kids" it was a slow moving squad car going acrossthe track on onion field and other side secca van, still we managed a stealth exit, good day and a great place that part of the world has much to offer love the detail on your shots btw spesh the staircase!!!