Maenofferen Slate Mills

Blaenau Ffestiniog, Gwynedd, Wales

Slate Heritage International

Grade II*

Multi-use future for former slate mills

The twin slate mills on the Maenofferen level form part of a major slate quarry near the town of Blaenau Ffestiniog. The mills are Grade II*-listed: an exceptional survival of a largely unaltered slab mill built between 1870 and 1897. Originally water-powered, the mills were converted to electric power in 1906. For generations, they were a centre of employment and prosperity for the local community. Later in the 20th Century, the buildings were withdrawn from use and fell into disrepair.

Slate Heritage International plans a mixed-use approach to the restored slate mills which embrace the site’s industrial heritage to include traditional skills employment, visitor destination, tours and accommodation. Project plans include recommencing slate-dressing on site and creating bespoke tours in partnership with other sites that make up the Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales World Heritage Site to improve access and understanding of this unique history. The project team also hopes to work with Zip World to expand the provision of adventure activities available locally, and with Plas Weunydd to add to the range of local tourist accommodation.

In 2021, an AHF Project Viability Grant explored a range of possible future uses for the mills before determining the preferred, mixed-use plans detailed above would likely form a viable business. A Project Development Grant, awarded in March 2023, is currently supporting the organisation to strengthen its governance, as well as commission specialists to oversee the initial capital works on site.

AHF Funding
Project Viability Grant - £7,500 (2021)
Project Development Grant - £19,439 (2023)

Image Credits
J W Greaves & Sons Ltd

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