Built as a steam-powered flour mill in 1851 by Robert Sharpe, railway contractor, the building was converted to maltings in 1890 and two malt kilns were erected nearby. The structure was used in connection with the adjacent National Shipyard during the First World War and subsequently as a barracks by the Royal Engineers. Latterly it was used as offices for the Fairfield-Mabey engineering company until severely damaged by fire in January 2002.
D.J.Percival, RCAHMW, 27 June 2002.