From Flour Power to Rubber Revolution: The Enduring Legacy of the Original North West Building at Harborough Rubber Works, 124 St Marys Road, Market Harborough, Leicestershire

Original North West Building at Harborough Rubber Works, 124 St Marys Road, Market Harborough, Leicestershire

From Flour Power to Rubber Revolution: The Enduring Legacy of the Original North West Building at Harborough Rubber Works

Standing on St Marys Road in Market Harborough, the Original North West Building of the Harborough Rubber Works tells a tale of industrial adaptation and enduring purpose. Its brick façade, adorned with intricate details, whispers of a time when gears whirred and rubber flowed, a stark contrast to its earlier life as a humble flour mill. Let's delve into the fascinating history of this structure, a testament to the ever-evolving landscape of Leicestershire's industries.

The Mill of John Bland (c.1860)

Built around 1860, the building's first chapter unfolded under the ownership of John Bland. Back then, the scent of freshly ground wheat filled the air as the structure served as a steam-powered flour mill. Its polychromatic brickwork. The building's design, with three storeys and an attic, likely housed milling equipment and storage areas, contributing to the town's food production.

The Rise of Harborough Rubber Company (1894)

By 1894, the winds of change swept through the building. The Harborough Rubber Company, sensing an opportunity in the burgeoning rubber industry, purchased the structure. A metamorphosis ensued, transforming the flour mill into a hub for manufacturing bicycle pedal blocks and later, car components. The iconic "Dainite" brand, known for its durable rubber products, was born within these walls.

Even today, the building whispers of its dual identities. The original flour mill layout, with wooden floor beams supported by thin iron columns, remains partly intact. However, subtle changes like cast-iron windows with glazing bars reflect the adaptations made for rubber production. This unique amalgamation of architectural elements serves as a tangible reminder of the building's versatile past.

The Future of the Original North West Building

Now in a poor state and listed as a Grade II building by Historic England, the Original North West Building stands as a symbol of Market Harborough's industrial heritage. As the Harborough Rubber Works underwent transformations over the years, this building remained a constant, adapting to new demands while retaining its historical character. Today, it faces an uncertain future, awaiting a new chapter in its remarkable story.

Whether it be repurposed into a cultural space, transformed into residential units, or preserved as a testament to its industrial past, the Original North West Building's journey is far from over. Its enduring structure and unique history ensure that its legacy will continue to resonate, whispering tales of flour, rubber, and the ever-evolving spirit of Market Harborough.