Blueprint unveiled for 200 new jobs

First architect’s impressions for Ena Mill in Atherton were released ahead of two free public consultation events on Wednesday this week.

Bosses predict the extra jobs would be created at the venue over the next five years. An application, including the results of the consultation, will be submitted to Wigan Council planners next month.

The visuals reveal the first look at the re-development of the first floor of the old cotton-spinning building which dates back to 1908 and is now a thriving retail destination.

The plans will effectively double the retail space in size to a total of more than 80,000ft sq (The size of one and a half football pitches). Highlights also include a proposed new 300-cover restaurant.

All the images will be on public display at two free consultation events at Ena Mill on Wednesday: one for the public between 6pm and 8pm and a separate local business networking event between 12.30pm and 2pm which will focus on how Ena Mill’s latest plans can benefit the town as a whole.

Joint owner Simon Yates said: “The architect’s visuals are the first time we have publicly shared our vision in such detail and we are eager to find out what our customers and local residents think.

“With the support of so many local people and customers since 2011 we have enjoyed incredible success. But we believe Atherton deserves even more - and public feedback will be crucial in shaping an even better future together.”

Ena Mill joint-owner Jonathan Addis said: “We hope our plans can be a catalyst for renewed commercial optimism in the town.

“Atherton residents and businesses will be amongst the first to see our comprehensive displays of the plans to make Ena Mill one of the largest retail mills in the North West incorporating new leisure and community facilities. And we can’t wait to hear what people think.”

As well as the first floor development, the next five years will see the iconic engine room restored and made available to the local community for meetings and functions; a heritage centre celebrating the area’s industrial past; additional on-site parking; a second restaurant; and a final development phase to convert the top two floors into 80 residential apartments.

Local business wishing to attend the business networking lunch - with coffee and sandwiches - at 12.30pm on Wednesday 24th February can call event manager Louise Barnes on 07914 433887 to confirm their place.