Rossendale seeks to CPO Waterside Mill
Derelict for 23 years, the last mill in Bacup’s town centre conservation area could get a new lease on life.
Rossendale Council has debated over the future of Waterside Mill for a decade. It sits roofless, sandwiched between Alder Street and Burnley Road – an eyesore of a grade two-listed building.
In recent years, with owners uncontactable, the council has had to step in to restrict access to the site and complete required health and safety work.
Valley Heritage has a plan, however, to start the mill’s next chapter. It just needs the deed and funding.
Rossendale Council is readying to help with the first part. At its cabinet meeting this week, the council will vote on agreeing to put in for a CPO of the mill. After acquiring the deed for the mill, the local authority would then give it to Valley Heritage as part of a back-to-back deal.
However, it’s all contingent on the second need of Valley Heritage: funding.
The developer has put forward a bid to The National Heritage Lottery Foundation and will hear back in December on whether it has been successful. The group has kept tight-lipped on its proposals, but it is understood that providing additional space for the mill’s neighbour, air filtration system manufacturer Beta Group, is part of the request.
This will not be Valley Heritage’s first project – the group also delivered the successful transformation of the grade two-listed Lancashire & Yorkshire Bank building into a mixed use development with coworking space, meeting facilities, and apartments.
If Valley Heritage is successful in its funding bid, then the mill’s future is rather straightforward. CPO from the council, given to Valley Heritage, and off to a new life as a modern industrial scheme.
If Valley Heritage is unsuccessful, the council will re-evaluate the mill’s future. It may still move forward with the CPO.
Valley Heritage is optimistic about its plans though.
“Working alongside a key local business and Rossendale Borough Council, we hope to explore how the derelict building might be given a sustainable future, while creating opportunities within the project for the community to celebrate its heritage through arts, crafts and storytelling,” a spokesperson from the organisation said.
“It is a complex and ambitious project, with significant challenges ahead, particularly around securing ownership and funding. There are no guarantees, but the enthusiasm and ideas shared by the community have been incredibly encouraging, and we’re keen to build on this momentum.”
