Green's Windmill in Sneinton gets a major repair to turn its sails again

Look up from Sneinton and you will see one of Nottingham's most charming landmarks. Green's Windmill is in the middle of a major programme of repairs that will return the Grade II listed mill to full working order, and there is still plenty for visitors to enjoy while the work goes on.

The repairs began on Monday 3 November 2025 and are due to run until spring 2027. Nottingham City Council secured a £685,000 grant from the MEND fund, which supports repairs to historic buildings. Ackroyd Construction is carrying out the work with Green's Windmill Trust and the council, including casting a new iron curb, repairing or replacing machinery, building a new cap frame, renewing the top of the brick tower and refurbishing the sails.

The windmill was built shortly after 1807 by George Green, a baker. His son, also George Green, inherited the mill in 1829 and ran it until his death in 1841. He was a mathematical physicist, and the mill's science centre celebrates his legacy.

Like many windmills, it fell out of use in the 1860s as steam-powered roller mills took over, and it slowly fell into disrepair. The council acquired it in 1979, and millwrights restored it between 1984 and 1986. It reopened in December 1986 as a working mill, entirely powered by the wind.

Today it is cared for by Green's Windmill Trust, a registered charity that began taking over day-to-day running of the mill and science centre from the council in 2012. The trust has received the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service, and volunteers help with everything from gardening to customer service.

During the repairs the windmill building itself is closed, but the interactive science centre, shop and community garden remain open from Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm, with free admission. Visitors can experiment with light, electricity and magnetism, and pick up the mill's certified organic stoneground flours from the shop. School visits and birthday parties continue, along with a partial programme of public events.

When the sails turn again, it will be a proud moment for Sneinton. Updates and opening times are on the Green's Windmill website.