The mill was derelict and facing demolition, until it was acquired by Nottingham City Council in 1979. Funds were raised by the University of Nottingham and it was renovated by Thompson's, millwrights of Alford, Lincolnshire between 1984 and 1986.
A neglected mill was rescued from demolition in 1979 when it was purchased by the local authorities. Subsequent renovations were undertaken by the University of Nottingham and Thompson's, a specialist in mill repairs, between 1984 and 1986.