A popular attraction is set to reopen to visitors after “devastating” arson destroyed irreplaceable historical artefacts.

The visitor centre at the Frogmore Paper Mill in Apsley was "extensively damaged" on January 22 of last year, by a fire two teenage boys had started with a lighter which quickly got out of control.

As many as 13 fire engines and police were called to Fourdrinier Way at around 3.30pm and found the mill ablaze, before battling to prevent the flames spreading further through the site.

Watford Observer: Frogmore Paper Mill works underway.Frogmore Paper Mill works underway. (Image: Frogmore Paper Mill)

After the location’s website was recently updated with the news that it was aiming to reopen next year, the team told the Watford Observer that a summer 2024 reopening is the target ahead of the next academic year.

Sue Woolnough, from the mill, said: “It was quite a devastating event, not just physically for the site but also for the team.

“It’s one of those places where, if you get it, you get totally absorbed.”

Watford Observer: Frogmore Papermill, Apsley, fire.Frogmore Papermill, Apsley, fire. (Image: Hertfordshire Constabulary)

They were quickly looking to get the mill open to visitors again but plans were delayed by the insurance process, before the money eventually came through. The damaged visitors centre also needed to be demolished due to the extent of the damage.

“Only then could we start to move forward,” the education and design manager explained. “That was very nice, to be looking forwards, and we had ideas straight away.”

“As soon as we got over those hurdles it has been positive,” she added.

Watford Observer: Damage after the fire.Damage after the fire. (Image: Hertfordshire Constabulary)

“There is a huge amount of clearance, if you come down now you will see a lot of building work. What should come out of it should be quite an exciting visitors’ centre.”

The new centre will be a temporary home at the other end of the site and enable Frogmore Paper Mill to reopen to groups and once again offer tours. It will allow visitors to give feedback on the long-term future development of the museum.

There will also be a new café with a waterside seating area, by the mill pond.