London’s last working windmill is set to open a new education and community centre onsite.  

The centre at Brixton Windmill, just off Blenheim Gardens, will serve the community with a range of educational activities for residents, school groups, adult learners, and local groups. 

The new centre will be funded by Lambeth Council and run by the Friends of Windmill Gardens (FoWG), who will manage it when it opens to the public in September. 

Brixton Windmill is a Grade II listed structure built in 1816 as a working flour mill, locally known as Ashby’s Mill after the family of millers. 

The mill ceased production in 1934, and was first opened to the public in the 1960s when the land around it was laid out as a public park.  

After periods of use and neglect the windmill was restored by Lambeth Council with Heritage Lottery funding and returned to public use in 2011.  

FoWG offers regular guided tours of the windmill and hosts events for the surrounding community, including the Beer & Bread festival and workshops for local schools.  

The charity also mills Brixton Windmill flour which is used by local bakeries, restaurants and retailers – it plans to run community baking workshops in the new centre. 

Jean Kerrigan, chair of the Friends of Windmill Gardens, said: “Brixton Windmill has been at the heart of Lambeth for over 200 years.  

“The opening of the education building is a momentous occasion for us and will allow FoWG to continue serving the local community by providing vital space for workshops, classes and our flour production. 

“I would like to thank architects, Squire and Partners, for their design, commitment and generous support for this project and Lambeth Council for recognising the role FoWG has played within our local community for the past 17 years and having the confidence in our volunteers’ ability to manage this wonderful new community space.” 

Councillor Sonia Winifred, Lambeth’s cabinet member for equalities and culture said: “The Windmill is such a valuable community asset and landmark for the borough. 

“This new education centre will help people learn about the Windmill’s fascinating past and present, encourage more people to visit the site and create an important legacy for future generations.”