History team in call to save mills from demolition
IN the 1980s there were almost a thousand mills in Greater Manchester - but nearly half of these historic buildings have been demolished.
A report by the University of Salford, funded by Historic England, has revealed that Salford has lost the most, more than 60 per cent of the city’s mills have disappeared in the last 30 years.
There are 538 mills still standing across the region, but 433 have been demolished since the 1980s.
Rochdale and Oldham are still home to the most mills in the borough - 206 between them - though they have also lost 162 since the 1980s.
Now Historic England is calling for these symbols of industry to be brought back into use by transforming them into cultural destinations, workplaces or housing.
It says the vacant floor space in textile mills across Greater Manchester and Lancashire is equivalent to 25,000 new homes.
But there are also some shining examples of successful regeneration.
Holden Mill in Bolton, which has been converted into 275 apartments, is among them. As is Royal Mills in New Islington. Nestled between the canals, the marina and the Northern Quarter, it’s now home to a thriving community.
Close by is Brownsfield Mill in the Northern Quarter. Formerly home to Britain’s first aeroplane manufacturers AV Roe & Coe, developer Urban Splash is set to start work to convert the Grade II listed site into 31 loft apartments and a townhouse. Architects say they plan to preserve original timber, cast iron columns and brickwork.
Then there’s Crusader Mill in Ancoats in 2017, where people queued overnight to buy flats offplan in a scheme which would not sell to investors or people form overseas.
Historic England’s goal is to save our industrial legacy from the fate of other mills in the region.
These include Whitworth’s Albert Mill. A target for arsonists for years, in 2009, a firefighter was injured while tackling a huge blaze.
It was demolished during the summer.
And Coral Mill in Newhey was razed to the ground in 2008 after being blighted by vandalism.
They empty site is set to host 69 new houses and apartments after Rochdale planning bosses gave the green light last April.
Meanwhile, the site of Maple Mill in Oldham once the home of Vance Miller’s kitchen business was demolished after a huge fire in 2016.
Catherine Dewar, Historic England’s planning director in the North West said historic mill buildings, with their space, character and identity, deserved a future, adding: “They helped make us who we are in the north of England and have a profound impact on the physical and cultural landscape.”
Andy Burnham, Greater Manchester mayor, described the loss was a ‘real shame’, adding: “These buildings are an important part of our industrial legacy – the original Northern Powerhouse.
“Equally they are an important part of our future, whether that’s creating new jobs for local people by investing in the industries of the future, providing much-needed affordable housing, or transforming these unique spaces into cultural destinations. I fully support Historic England’s plea to ensure our remaining mills have a key place in the developing fabric of our region.”