Overwhelming public support for saving England’s mills revealed

England’s textile mills, once the workshop of the world, were the original Northern Powerhouse. They define the landscape of the North of England, yet hundreds of historic mill buildings stand empty and neglected.

A new report published today reveals that Greater Manchester alone has lost almost half of its mills since the 1980s.

Historic England and YouGov asked the public for their opinions and found that 90% of adults in England believe that historic mills are an important part of the country’s heritage, story and character and 85% do not want to see historic mills demolished and replaced.

Also published today is a study, commissioned by Historic England, which explores viable new uses for old mills across the North West.

Catherine Dewar, Historic England’s Planning Director in the North West said:
“With their ability to accommodate wonderful homes, workplaces and cultural spaces, our historic mill buildings deserve a future and should not be destroyed. They helped make us who we are in the north of England and have a profound impact on the physical and cultural landscape.

Mills have so much to offer in terms of space, character and identity. By shining a light on successful regeneration projects, we hope to inspire others to recognise the potential of our former industrial buildings and start a conversation about their future.”

A report by the University of Salford, funded by Historic England, has today revealed that nearly half of Greater Manchester’s historic mills (45%) have been destroyed since the 1980s. Salford is the borough which has lost the most, with 66% lost over the last 30 years.

There is calculated to be 1,996,597 square metres of vacant floor space in textile mills across Greater Manchester and Lancashire - equivalent to 25,000 new homes. Historic England believes that mills can and should accommodate the North West’s growth needs. Mill buildings are also distinctive, character-filled places which offer a connection between past and future generations.

Mill buildings can once again be powerhouses for growth in the 21st century.

Successful conversions demonstrate that mills have the capacity to accommodate new and exciting uses, attract investment in area-wide regeneration, create jobs and give rise to the homes and businesses of the future. They can also play a positive role in place-making and local identity, providing inspiring places for people to live, work and relax in.

Historic England’s new publication Engines of Prosperity: new uses for old mills focuses on the North West and showcases successfully repurposed textile mills alongside other potential mill conversion opportunities.

Historic England is seeking to galvanise owners and developers to fulfil the great potential our historic mills can offer and has invited representatives to Manchester’s beautifully converted Chorlton Mill on Wednesday. The North West publication is the second in the Engines of Prosperity series, and follows a 2016 study of West Yorkshire’s textile mills. Both reports were commissioned by Historic England and produced by Cushman & Wakefield and Lathams Architects.

Blue Pit Mill, Castleton

Blue Pit Mill has been beautifully restored from its origins in the Victorian era. Original features such as the hard wood floors, huge windows and spacious ceiling height have been maintained to reproduce a contemporary space rich in historical significance - from a time before the office cubicle was invented.

Blue Pit Mill is now a business hamlet with a thriving community of diverse, friendly businesses.

Arrow Mill, Castleton

Built during the Edwardian era by R & T Howarth, Arrow Mill was one of the many mills designed by the Oldham family Stott and Son. Sydney Stott, the architect of Arrow Mill, favoured the distinctive and flamboyant architecture at the time and like his contemporaries gave considerable attention to the water tower, which was used to advertise the name of the mill.

This Grade II listed building now serves a different purpose to what it was originally constructed for. The strong Canadian cedar timber floors are now used for storing and warehousing third party goods there is extensive office space, meeting rooms and the opportunity of hiring the oak panelled board room.