Grant cash delight for borough mill

The ambitious project to completely transform one of the borough’s historical landmarks is stepping up another gear with a major cash boost.
By Andrew Nowell
Published 16th Apr 2020, 10:23 GMT
Updated 16th Apr 2020, 10:24 GMT
Leigh Spinners MillLeigh Spinners Mill
Leigh Spinners Mill

The Leigh Building Preservation Trust (LBPT), which is overseeing the renovation of Leigh Spinners Mill, has received £180,000 from the National Lottery Community Fund.

The former cotton mill has been completely revitalised in recent years and is now home to a range of businesses and leisure activities including an archery range, a martial arts club, film screenings and an organisation doing music lessons for young children.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The project is now expected to move forward again, with plans for the Lottery cash including recruiting a manager and support team, making a number of improvements to the fabric of the building and buying a minibus for school and group visits.

Like the majority of services in its sector Leigh Spinners Mill is currently closed due to the coronavirus crisis.

However, it is hoped work on the building using the funding pot, which has been awarded over two years, will be able to begin very soon.

LBPT chair Peter Rowlinson said: “This is great news for the mill and gives us the opportunity to develop our services to key groups.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We will have a much-needed management team to operate the mill and to develop our services and introduce new ideas.

“When we reopen for visitors we will be bigger and better and we look forward to seeing all our friends again.”

The Trust wants to improve the reception area and the doors on each floor of the mill as well as carrying out changes to the disabled access arrangements and the fire alarm system.

The charity says the Lottery funding will enable it to survive and thrive but will not be spent on direct running costs.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The building is grade II* listed and still contains the original steam engine. It remains in the original family ownership as Leigh Spinners Ltd, which is a textile manufacturing concern mostly making carpets and artificial grass.

More than 40 tenants are now in one half of the mill and LBPT is seeking grant funding for its massive £3.3m masterplan for the rest of the site.

For more information visit www.leighspinnersmill.co.uk

Related topics:National Lottery Community Fund