Union Foundry (latterly known as AIDA Bliss) was built in 1840 besides the River Derwent to the north of the city.
Taken from derbyshire-peakdistrict.co.uk article;
'In 1868, Alfred Seale Haslam bought the ‘Union’ foundry. At first he employed only 20 men, but despite a fire in 1873, he was always looking to expand. After experimentation and expansion he started the production of dry-air refrigeration equipment. In 1880, the first refrigeration system was designed at the foundry, which made it possible to import frozen food from Australia and South America. It was not long after the first ground-breaking journeys that fruit and vegetables were being transported in refrigeration ships and cold storage plants installed at dockyards and major markets.
Haslam also built a large numbers of good houses for his workforce over a period of 40 years, some set around the medieval common, which was established as a public park in the 1880s. He became a very important figure locally. In 1890/1 he was elected Mayor of Derby and he also laid on an impressive reception for Queen Victoria, when she visited Derby to open the Derbyshire Infirmary.'
In recent years the building has seen some alteration, including the construction of a light industrial estate. It closed down I think early 2000s and Miller Homes were planning to redevelop the site for residential use. I don't know what will happen to the 19th century building.
The 19th century part. The Great Northern Railway Friar Gate Line ran to the right of this picture.
First thing to greet me when I got inside.... one of the light industrial units
The main yard.
A nicely lined up row of beer cans
Into the modern extension of the Victorian works.... pretty darn big!
General view of the 19th century buildings interior
Inside the offices, a lot of stuff was left behind. The windows are lovely
Avery Scales, and some ladders.
Mmmm Beer
A large 'pit'?
Really enjoyed this explore and definately up for visiting it again! Perhaps my favourite abandoned industrial building in Derby.
Taken from derbyshire-peakdistrict.co.uk article;
'In 1868, Alfred Seale Haslam bought the ‘Union’ foundry. At first he employed only 20 men, but despite a fire in 1873, he was always looking to expand. After experimentation and expansion he started the production of dry-air refrigeration equipment. In 1880, the first refrigeration system was designed at the foundry, which made it possible to import frozen food from Australia and South America. It was not long after the first ground-breaking journeys that fruit and vegetables were being transported in refrigeration ships and cold storage plants installed at dockyards and major markets.
Haslam also built a large numbers of good houses for his workforce over a period of 40 years, some set around the medieval common, which was established as a public park in the 1880s. He became a very important figure locally. In 1890/1 he was elected Mayor of Derby and he also laid on an impressive reception for Queen Victoria, when she visited Derby to open the Derbyshire Infirmary.'
In recent years the building has seen some alteration, including the construction of a light industrial estate. It closed down I think early 2000s and Miller Homes were planning to redevelop the site for residential use. I don't know what will happen to the 19th century building.
The 19th century part. The Great Northern Railway Friar Gate Line ran to the right of this picture.
First thing to greet me when I got inside.... one of the light industrial units
The main yard.
A nicely lined up row of beer cans
Into the modern extension of the Victorian works.... pretty darn big!
General view of the 19th century buildings interior
Inside the offices, a lot of stuff was left behind. The windows are lovely
Avery Scales, and some ladders.
Mmmm Beer
A large 'pit'?
Really enjoyed this explore and definately up for visiting it again! Perhaps my favourite abandoned industrial building in Derby.
Sal
