Warwick Mill owner teases major revamp
London-based developer Kam Lei Fong has released new CGIs showing its ambitions for the grade two-listed site in Middleton, including apartments, offices and restaurants.
Kam Lei Fong has been working with Rochdale Borough Council and Historic England to develop the plans. Public consultation on the proposals is expected to begin in May, with Kam Lei Fong aiming to submit a planning application in June.
“We want to start what we hope will be a positive conversation with the local community around what is an exciting development for Middleton,” the company said, adding that it was “committed” to regenerating the site.
Under the proposals, a central atrium will be created in the mill. London House, a derelict building nearby, will also be demolished to make way for new homes.
“It’s exciting to see this work progress and the start of plans that the local community can engage with,” said Cllr June West, chair of Middleton Township Committee with Rochdale Council.
“Warwick Mill is an iconic landmark in Middleton and it’s good to see that whilst its history and heritage are being restored and celebrated, that it also plays a key role in Middleton’s vibrant future development.”
Rochdale Council Leader Neil Emmott said the proposals for Warwick Mill mark “a key moment in the masterplan for Middleton.
“It’s an announcement of more development into the area to further strength Middleton’s offer and complement the new jobs and public transport connections we want to deliver around the Northern Gateway,” he continued.
“We’ve been steadfast in our commitment to investing in Middleton and ensuring it has development opportunities and it’s great to see that businesses are on board with us to achieve this.”
This is a magnificent structure and I hope the redevelopment is successful whilst its still standing
By Harpsicord
That’s a fine mill building.
By SW
Bring it on. Middleton could do with this.
By Anonymous
Having heard and seen development plans on numerous occasions I will reserve judgement to the ‘when I see it, I will believe it’.
By Pigsmightfly
We need shops! Make this into something similar to the Trafford centre in Manchester or the rock in bury! We wouldn’t have to travel to these places if we had the facilities on our doorstep, instead you’re going to invite new residents to Middleton, who won’t be able to get a dr appointment, or get into an nhs dentist. We simply don’t have the investment to enable more people coming to Middleton. Add a primark, add river island, a cinema, Nando’s, frankies and bennies, next, all these big shops will bring money back into Middleton, and THEN we will be able to invest back into primary services to enable more residents in Middleton
By Rosie Halliwell
Shops and restaurants all of whom are owned elsewhere won’t bring any money into the area.Also with economic recession and skyrocket in fuel prices and the dominance of online shopping there is not the demand for more shops.
By Ted Jones
We’ve heard it all before 🤔🤔🥱😴🥱😴
By Les Davies
Hope there will be some kind of entertainment for families and youth provition incorporated in the development. Middleton has nothing. Not slot machines.
By Sandra Matthews
Note that the owner ‘teases’ the revamp. This mill has had that many plans and ‘teases’ about revamp, whilst it rots, gets set on fire numerous times, and becomes an eyesore. Any development could have been started years ago? These ‘supposed plans get dragged up every local election, and you are advised against holding your breath, waiting for it to happen. No doctor’s appointment in this area, they are still hiding behind Covid and locked doors.
By Anonymous
Will be great to see this old mill restored but not happy about more houses being built on the London House site as this will create yet more traffic flow problems if the entrance is near Screwfix. We also do not have the infrastructure to serve an increasing Middleton population.
By Anonymous