Former Willis Burns Shop Reborn

The old Willis Burns Electrical shop on the High Street is nearly ready to open its doors again – this time as a modern, well-insulated office space. Empty for years, it’s had an 18-month makeover, with some of the original stone wall and timber purlins still in place.

The building has been a chemist, an auctioneer’s office, and a hairdressing salon. Most remember it as Willis Burns Electrical, pictured in Tideswell Traders. Alan Burns took over from Willis and ran the shop until 2006. The shop was a true village landmark, even making its way into a local song.

After it changed hands, the front was altered, then it fell into disuse. By the time the new owners stepped in, the roof and chimney were collapsing, and the timbers were beyond saving.

Some will remember the 2023 Christmas storm, when part of the render crashed onto a parked car belonging to the prospective buyers! Renovation uncovered a New Mills beer bottle hidden in a wall, and a “reinforced concrete floor” built with a gas mantle and a Victorian bedframe!

The building will have a new life offering local people a place to work away from the kitchen table. Keep an eye on tideswell.studio for updates. The owners would love to hear your memories of the building at hello@tideswell.studio.

The Willis Burns photo is from the book Tideswell Traders by Tony Hill.