Intier Automotive Inc., Golden Valley Mill, Bitton
The Golden Valley Mill in Bitton has been a part of the village since the early 18th Century, and started life as a brass works. The area in its most recent form was the site of Canadian company, Intier Automotive Inc. up until 2006, where interior car parts for the likes of Toyota, Saab & Jaguar were produced.
Bitton is a small village, so we were surprised by how big the Golden Valley Mill site is. Approximately ten acres. Parts of the site are Grade II listed and the whole area is deteriorating quickly considering it’s only been abandoned for just short of a decade. There is evidence of continued effort over the years by security services to keep out vandals & metal thieves but eventually succumbed. The newer office section has been stripped of every light fitting, switch, copper and basically anything that wasn’t bolted down. (And some that were!)
The most interesting parts of Golden Valley Mill lay directly in the middle of the site. It’s obvious you’re in the oldest section of the factory as the modern block work turns to aged, raw brick. It’s in this section where (apart from the modern offices at the front of the site) there’s a 1st floor.
Any real evidence of Intier Automotive being here is few and far between, and the site in general isn’t very inspiring apart from the sheer size of it and older middle sections. The parish of Bitton has had consultations with developers to transform the Golden Valley Mill since the site closed and all the while the buildings are falling in to further disrepair. Hopefully this historic site gets the attention it deserves soon.
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Hello, is this building still here or has it been demolished as well? I’m currently looking around for abandoned sites such as this to go see for myself but everywhere I find has either been demolished or changed completely.
I’ve just checked Google Maps, and yeah, sadly it looks like this historic site has been demolished.
I spent 20 eventful years there before leaving in 1996 at the age of 36 after falling out of favour with the then powers that be.
However, it is with bittersweet fondness and a heavy heart that I look back in the knowledge that it is no more given that my experiences there acted to form the foundations for my personal and professional life, seeing me develop from a fresh faced young man to a sometimes overzealous member of the establishment.
I met some kind, interesting and helpful people on my journey, as well as one significant other, alas she is no longer with us.
I have not crossed paths with those I left behind for at least 20 years now a number of which I guess are no longer with us. Well, here’s to remembering the old place and the memories of events that shaped our lives, albeit what seems so long ago.
Hey Les – I’m still here. Not married to Clive any more though
Hi Karen, life has slowed down for me now that I am retired from professional life, which gives me time to reflect on many things that seem like they were dreams.
However, I remember vividly the first and the last times I walked into the factory there. It appears very sad to me that such a history should be wiped out with expensive housing now taking its place. It’s only now that I remember its significance.
I recall you doing a number of different things during your time there including forklift driving for despatch. I’m sorry that you and Clive split up. There are so many names that I think of but I never looked back until recently.
What is happening in your world now? Your children must be all grown up too…
I worked there as Quality Technician and overtime on training parts for the last seven years of its life.
Took over ten years until it got demolished when the little Line Feeder told me they had started the work at a vintage bike rally.
Paul Guest.
It’s very sad. I worked there between 1983-1997 first as production worker and then as a fork lift driver. Some good memories of some lovely people…
Has anyone got any photos of the Decora site?
I was a press operator there 1997-2004. Saab 95 door cards big old factory working next to Terry Williams. Good times.
I remember Terry always used to belch loudly blaming it on hot tea – you could hear it – was so loud. I got him back after a can of Coke 🤣🤣
Wow interesting read, I worked at this place many moons ago, as a carpenter fitting some fire doors, lots of women working there who liked to pinch your bum when passing. They had just had an expensive machine fitted to press out interior car parts and took delight in showing us it working!
Hi,
Does anyone know whether the building has started being demolished as I would like to go there for my photography but don’t want to waste my time travelling there to find out its all gone.
Thanks, Aaron
Hi update for Intier, there is no access anymore meaning they have started the demolition. Made the trip today so just saying there is no point making a trip. Nice village and countryside though ? date today 11/11/2016
Thanks for the update Josh, do you have photos? I can’t find any planning applications or applications for demolishment etc. Parts of the factory are listed and wouldn’t be torn down without consultation and suchlike.
Hi I have one photo which isn’t great as it was taking from my phone by the river but can send you that one if you want just not that good. Just didn’t see the point of taking anymore as there’s not much left. At the front of the building which I believe are the offices which they have started taking down the only building that is standing is right at the back which is just a shell now no walls etc. which is annoying but that’s just the game with exploring I guess. On to the next ?
Absolutely. Always the risk that you’re not going to find what you hoped for! I see you have e-mailed me, I’ll be in contact shortly for that photo.
Does anyone have a Google Maps address for this? Would be really helpful!
Jay, the address is the title of the report – it’s that easy!
This brings back memories, I used to work there between 1999 and 2003 as a maintenance engineer, I used to know the place like the back of my hand, would love to go back and visit it.
Perhaps you could help lay to rest the rumours about an old entrance to the mine within the site, Chris?
To be honest I never heard of or seen any entrance to a mine whilst working there, but heard plenty of ghost stories concerning the old press shop (the grade II listed part) was always a bit creepy in there at night when I was alone on the night shift!
Me and a couple friends are looking to go visit this either this weekend or next in the term time. Is it safe and accessible? Please e-mail me with any information if you have been there before!
amberleystonem@gmail.com
The middle parts of the site are the oldest. There is one very thick stone wall which used to be the dam wall for the 18th century millpond.
Picture 10 shows what used to be the pulp area, containing big woodpulp mixing tanks.
11,12,13 used to be the hydraulic press area with hot oil heated press tools. Not nice.
I want to do a fashion shoot here but I don’t know if it’s safe?! And Is the place accessible? Someone who’s been there before drop me an email please
Saralentsch@hotmail.com
Hey I went there yesterday as it is local and it is totally safe just a hassle to get in
How do you get in?
Hello everybody
I worked in the press shop a long time ago. I remember the hosepipe battles. I also remember the lads that worked there. We used to go in to a place called the black hole to get changed and have breaks. I left this place and trained to be a teacher and actually worked in the local school. I often think back to those times at the factory. It was an extremely dangerous job. People did lose their lives there. Would love to hear from anybody else who was there in the 80s/90s. They were all fantastic people.
I am looking to maybe head there and was wondering if there was anybody who may be interested in going with me. I was looking at filming it and taking some photos whilst I was there so I would like a buddy kinda person who would be interested in that, I wouldn’t show your face or release your name if you didn’t want me to obviously.
Hope to hear from people soon
– Dan
Hey Dan, I’m Oliver. I’ve been to this place multiple times and if you want I could get you in and show you around! If you want drop me an email (low1@live.co.uk)
My photography teachers twin has suggested me going here for my exam! Anyone know if it’s still standing as don’t want a wasted journey if it’s been demolished?
Disappointment goes with the territory I’m afraid! However, because parts of the site are listed, I’d be very surprised if any demolition has taken place.
Okay, thank you! Might have to check it out at the weekend as it isn’t far from me! :)
Think they got the whole lot 😢
My mum and myself worked down there. Really lovely people miss it so much. End of an era.
Went in here two weeks ago, really easy to get in as long as you can climb. Got up on the roof tops but as you said, not the most inspiring place. I went to school in Bitton and my family lived in the area for nearly a century, so it was cool to have a wander around.
Good place for anyone new to urbex to explore, no danger of anyone catching you from my observations.
Went here today and wow. It’s MASSIVE! Spent four hours walking around, really can tell the new parts from the old, I was surprised at some of the lighting still in place even a few PHILIPS floods that are worth a few hundred quid (I’m a lighting engineer) and the security key pads seem rather new the place has been throughly emptied but it’s nice to see a less graffiti than others. Didn’t see or hear another person while there
Is this place still active
Nope! It’s as derelict as the photos and write-up suggest!?
Sorry when I say active, I mean is it possible for the public to visit and do some photography. Is it fully accessible?
Absolutely. I mean, it’s “accessible” because I accessed it but don’t expect to be able to walk in through the front door I guess!
Hi
Great photos, love your reports. Looking to do this soon, When was your visit? Recent? Would want to go but not waste the trip if it has been demo’d.
I know it’s a long shot, but have done Foster Bros Oil and Cake Mill and the battered Barrow Gurney Asylum but am struggling with other options. Any recommendations for the South West, 25 mile radius of Bristol?. No huge info has to be given as I know a lot of explorers like to keep it to themselves. Anyway..Thanks in advance.
Hi,
Do you visit old sites like this often? I’d love to get into it, any recommendations for the Bristol area? For a beginner I mean!
Thanks
Adam
I live right next to it. I basically live there! It has not been demolished yet but will be late/early 2017 so get down there quick hopefully meet you there!
Ben
Hi, I visited here for the second time today. We saw signs that said dog patrols in operation. I don’t know if you would ever see them but do you know if they are there a lot?
Lucy
Hi do you know if Barrow Gurney is still there?