A charity urgently needs to raise £30,000 to save a beloved historical landmark from closure.
Jelleyman's Heritage Arts Charity took over running Jelleyman's Mill two years ago and has helped attract thousands of people as well as several businesses to the site.
The former rope mill, which is over a century old, could now be set to close after the charity were hit with unexpected costs.
Consultant Thomas Russon, who helps maintain the site, said: "It's an old site and a big part of Worcestershire's heritage. Sadly, due to the age of the mill, the energy supply is also very old and expensive to maintain.
"We were aware that the system has problems, but the urgency in which we need to do something about it has come as a bit of a shock. It's heartbreaking as we've reached that time where we're on the crux of either having a glowing future for the next 20 years or having to call curtains on the whole project.
"Getting those bills has just been horrible. We're all devastated as the charity has built up such a beautiful community at the mill. It was be a real loss to the town to lose another heritage asset."
The 40-year-old, who said his wife also has a business at the site, has set up a GoFundMe to help JHAC raise £30,000 to preserve the mill and maintain its memories for future generations.
The fundraiser has already raised almost £600 in the first day with the charity "incredibly grateful" for any donations to help save the mill.
Mr Russon, who is originally from Halesowen but now lives in Kidderminster, said: "So many people have put their blood, sweat and tears into creating such an incredible community space. I got involved in the mill when I was working as a lecturer at Kidderminster College. One of my media students was looking for an industrial site to film a project and a friend of a friend introduced me to the site.
"It really is like a time capsule from a by gone age. The initial idea for the charity was to try and save the mill, but it has become so much more than that over the last couple of years.
"There is so much of the gritty, industrial heritage linked to Worcestershire, but the nation has changed so much that a lot of our heritage buildings have been lost. Whether to necessary redevelopment or due to the running costs. Jelleyman's Mill has its challenges but it is also teeming with wildlife and it even houses an area of scientific interest. It would be so heartbreaking to lose it."
The mill on Puxton Lane covers nine acres and the charity has hosted several community events over the last few years.
This includes housing artists, musicians, businesses and psychologists on the site.
Mr Russon said: "It is a beautiful place that brings people together and allows the community to share and express their creativity. It caters for everyone and really promotes entrepreneurism and family businesses.
"It instils so much hope in people and we are incredibly grateful for any donations from the community. We understand that the cost of living is tough for people and it's the wrong time of year to be asking for money. We have been quite proud until now not to ask for help, but we have no other choice to try and save the mill.
"Even if people can't donate, we would be grateful if they could share the GoFundMe on social media. In such a heartbreaking time for the charity, it has been truly heartwarming to see so much support from the community."
To donate to the GoFundMe visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/ngtww-save-the-mill?cdn-cache=0
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